The event brought together representatives from recently affected EU/EEA Member States, the European Environment Agency, WHO regional office for Europe, DG CLIMA, and DG ECHO, fostering cross-sectoral dialogue on emerging challenges.

Participants reflected on their recent public health response to extreme weather events in their respective countries, pointing to coordination gaps, need for rapid deployment of surveillance systems, and the need for clearer, more targeted risk communication. While large outbreaks remain rare, the meeting underscored the importance of sustained vigilance and readiness in a changing climate.

Discussions highlighted the fact that not all extreme weather events, particular floods are the same. Countries would appreciate more advice on syndromic surveillance in these events, on public health preparedness plans, and holistic approaches that address infectious risks in the right perspective among many response needs in such events. The insights gathered will guide ECDC’s future support to countries and intersectoral collaboration with other agencies as well as strengthening Europe’s collective climate resilience.