The Party of European Socialists (PES) welcomes the European Commission’s Climate Resilience and Risk Management Package, presented by Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera, to strengthen Europe’s preparedness for the growing impacts of climate change.
The summer of 2026 has once again exposed Europe’s vulnerability to extreme weather, with more than 50,000 deaths attributed to heatwaves. As climate change intensifies, its consequences are becoming an increasingly urgent challenge for European societies, putting public health, infrastructure and economic security under growing pressure.
PES President Stefan Löfven stated:
“Extreme heat, wildfires, droughts and floods are already affecting people across Europe, with devastating consequences. We must strengthen our preparedness, invest in nature-based solutions and equip our cities and regions with the resources they need to protect people. But adaptation cannot replace climate action: we must also accelerate emissions reductions and the green transition. Protecting people means both preparing for the consequences of climate change and tackling its root causes. We have to do everything possible to avoid another summer like 2026.”
As Europe prepares for COP31, the EU must also demonstrate global leadership and push for more ambitious climate action. Current international commitments remain far from what is needed to limit global warming to 1.5°C, and scientific evidence must guide political decisions. Conservatives and climate denialists must stop undermining climate legislation and weakening Europe’s response to the climate crisis. Ambition must also be matched by resources: as negotiations on the next EU budget progress, climate action must remain a financial priority, backed by substantial investment to deliver on Europe’s commitments.
For the PES, climate resilience must go hand in hand with ambitious climate action and social justice. The EU must support local and regional authorities, invest in resilient infrastructure and ensure that the communities and people most exposed to climate risks are not left behind. Europe must act now to protect lives, strengthen preparedness and deliver a fair transition for all.
