Council Conclusions on the EU Adaptation Strategy

On 18 June 2013, the Council (Environment) adopted conclusions on an EU strategy on adaptation to climate change. They emphasize the need for increased action across all levels and by all relevant actors in order to address adaptation to climate change in the most effective way and the importance of mainstreaming adaptation into all relevant policies at all levels of government (European, national, regional and local), taking into account the principle of subsidiarity. The conclusions call upon the Commission to continue to take into account climate change adaptation in relevant proposals for EU action and to further facilitate climate proofing as well as long-life investments, in line with best available knowledge and practice. They call upon all Member States to continue to develop, implement and review their adaptation policies in the light of guidelines prepared by the European Commission, addressing issues such as cross-border aspects and coherence with national disaster risk management plans. Furthermore, they underline that improved access to funding will be a critical factor in building a climate-resilient Europe. They welcome the commitment by the Commission and the European Environment Agency to further develop Climate-ADAPT as the ‘one-stop shop’ for adaptation information in Europe and to develop interaction between Climate-ADAPT and other relevant platforms, including national and local adaptation portals.