On the devastating floods in Central and Eastern Europe, the loss of lives and the EU’s preparedness to act on such disasters exacerbated by climate change

on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group · Rapporteur: Sara Matthieu

✦ In short · AI summary of this text, generated 4 Sept 2026

This resolution expresses solidarity with victims of floods in Central and Eastern Europe and wildfires in Greece and Portugal, and calls for stronger EU action on climate change adaptation and disaster preparedness.¶¶ It calls for increased funding for disaster prevention, climate adaptation, and nature-based solutions, and for measures to protect vulnerable groups and rebuild infrastructure to withstand future extreme weather.¶¶¶

Key points

Expresses sympathy and solidarity with victims of floods in Austria, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and wildfires in Greece and Portugal.¶
Commends emergency services and volunteers for their efforts and asks for technical and financial help to rebuild affected communities.¶
Calls for increased ambition in reducing emissions, including phasing out fossil fuel subsidies, halting fossil fuel extraction, boosting renewables, and halting unsustainable agricultural practices.¶
Calls on the Commission to publish an ambitious climate adaptation law with measurable targets for water, health, infrastructure, economy, and spatial planning.¶
Calls on Member States to invest in nature restoration, implement the Nature Restoration Law, and update flood prevention plans to ban construction in high-risk areas.¶¶
Calls for more investment in cross-border river management, nature-based solutions like sponge cities, and adaptation of buildings to withstand floods.¶¶¶
Calls for preventive measures in agriculture and forestry, including avoiding clearcutting and keeping soil covered, and for public awareness campaigns.¶¶
Calls on the Commission to propose comprehensive early warning systems for extreme weather in all Member States.¶
Calls for more funding in the next multiannual financial framework for disaster prevention, climate action, and a larger EU Solidarity Fund and civil protection mechanism.¶¶
Calls for reform of cohesion policy to strengthen climate adaptation, possibly increasing funds earmarked for climate objectives in the ERDF and Cohesion Fund.¶
Calls for 'build back better' approach for critical infrastructure and for EUSF reimbursements to favor ecosystem-based solutions.¶¶
Calls for psychological support, fair aid distribution, and measures to address insurance costs and prevent house price collapse due to flood risk.¶¶¶

Who is affected

Victims and communities affected by floods in Central and Eastern Europe and wildfires in Greece and Portugal.¶
Emergency services, volunteers, and military personnel involved in disaster response.¶
Member States, called on to implement nature restoration, update flood plans, and provide support.¶¶¶
European Commission, called on to propose climate adaptation law and early warning systems.¶¶
Households, low-income people, and small and medium-sized enterprises facing financial hardship from insurance costs.¶

Figures and deadlines

16 people killed by storm Boris, with many missing.¶
5.5 million people affected by floods in Europe in the past 30 years, with almost 3,000 killed and over EUR 170 billion in damage.¶
EU Solidarity Fund mobilised 107 times since 2022, with over EUR 7.6 billion paid out, including EUR 3 billion for flood recovery.¶
Over 60% of European soils are unhealthy, costing over EUR 50 billion per year.¶
Maximum annual budget of EUR 1.5 billion for solidarity and emergency aid reserve in 2024 MFF review.¶
30% and 37% of funds earmarked for climate objectives in ERDF and Cohesion Fund.¶
EUR 450 million annual allocation for agricultural reserve in 2023-2027.¶

Written by a language model from the full text only; every figure comes from the text and ¶ links to the paragraph it rests on. Check the text itself before relying on it.