62 regions selected to accelerate climate adaptation plans under EU flagship scheme
Sixty‑two climate‑vulnerable regions across Europe have been selected to strengthen their climate adaptation plans through Pathways2Resilience, a flagship initiative of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change coordinated by Climate KIC.
With this new cohort, this EU initiative now supports 100 local and regional authorities – representing a combined population of more than 100 million citizens – in accelerating their climate adaptation and resilience.
Adaptation strategies have so far received less attention than emission mitigation. However, with Europe warming twice as fast as other continents and increasing climate disasters causing billions in damage – from Valencia to Sicily – an EU Climate Resilience strategy is now on the menu.
Elina Bardram, Mission Adaptation Manager at the European Commission, said: “I warmly welcome all regions selected in the second Pathways2Resilience cohort. As a flagship initiative, Pathways2Resilience helps the EU Mission on Adaptation deliver on its objectives and advance regional climate resilience together, through tailored support and peer learning.”
Climate risks and regional priorities
Pathways2Resilience, a programme funded by the European Union and led by climate innovation agency Climate KIC, has been set up in 2023 to help local authorities integrate systemic innovation and rapid learning mechanisms into their adaptation plans.
The 62 newly selected regions – home to approximately 55 million people – will have a year and a half to develop their transformative strategies and action plans, from January 2026 until August 2027. Among the most pressing climate hazards identified by this cohort were coastal and river flooding (43%), heat stress (36%), and drought (21%).
Each region selected under the scheme will receive €210,000 in direct funding as well as tailored tools and methodological guidance, peer-learning from the first cohort, and mentoring from climate resilience experts. This second selection round completes the allocation of the project’s €21 million cascade funding.
Budapest summit: Europe’s climate adaptation community comes together
On 11 February, all 100 regions will gather in Budapest for the Pathways2Resilience Summit. The choice of hosting the event in this city is symbolic, as Budapest has been already experiencing intensifying heatwaves and floods. The city, through participation in this programme, has become an emerging leader in integrated climate resilience planning, thanks to nature-based solutions, green infrastructure expansion, innovative water management, and award-winning public spaces such as Pünkösdfürdő Park.
The summit will highlight achievements from the first cohort while launching the second, reinforcing the programme’s ambition to accelerate adaptation across Europe at a moment when the continent is warming twice as fast as the global average.
“With 100 regions now on board, Pathways2Resilience is creating a powerful and diverse network of local communities committed to climate adaptation,” said Thomas Koetz, Senior Advisor for Climate Resilient Regions at Climate KIC and coordinator of the programme. “This second cohort brings fresh energy and new perspectives, helping accelerate Europe’s resilience journey at a time when climate impacts are intensifying. As programme coordinator, Climate KIC is proud of how far we’ve come in turning ambition into actionable plans that safeguard people, economies, and ecosystems.”
Notes for the editor
Resources
- Download the map here and the full list of selected regions here.
- Visit the Pathways2Resilience visual platform to explore case studies and insights from the first cohort.
- Climate KIC invites a delegation of journalists to attend the Pathways2Resilience Summit (11 February, Budapest) and gain behind-the-scenes access to Europe’s climate resilience leaders. Depending on interest, travel and/or accommodation reimbursement may be available. Please apply for your press badge by 29 January at media@climate-kic.org.
Additional statements from selected regions
Mayor Stephanie Rohr of City of Worms, Germany, said: “Being selected for Pathways2Resilience is a strong recognition of Worms’ long-term work on climate adaptation. Located in one of Germany’s warmest regions, we will use this support to further strengthen our climate resilience by integrating climate adaptation, heat and water strategies, and by learning with and from other European cities facing similar challenges.”
A representative from Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, said: “As a coastal and urban region facing increasing climate pressures, we look forward to strategic guidance, shared expertise, and tools that will support long-term, integrated climate adaptation planning.”
Rastislav Trnka, President of the Košice Self-Governing Region, Slovakia, said: “The Košice Self-Governing Region has long positioned itself as a green region, building climate resilience in close cooperation with municipalities and local stakeholders, primarily through nature-based adaptation measures. I am delighted that Košice Region has been selected for the Pathways2Resilience programme, as the growing risks of drought and extreme precipitation, along with our above-average vulnerability, highlight the need for systematic adaptation measures. This project will enable us to modernise the region’s adaptation strategy, leverage expert know-how, and engage in meaningful knowledge exchange with partner regions.”
Berglind Harpa Svavarsdóttir, Chair of the Association of Municipalities in East Iceland (SSA), said: “We are very pleased that East Iceland [Austurland] has been selected to participate in the Pathways2Resilience programme. The region faces increasing climate-related challenges, particularly in rural and coastal communities, and this collaboration will support us in strengthening knowledge, developing practical solutions and building long-term adaptive capacity.”
About Pathways2Resilience
Pathways2Resilience is a flagship project of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. EU Missions are a new approach designed to accelerate implementation of the European Green Deal, including in the area of climate adaptation. More information: www.pathways2resilience.eu
About Climate KIC
Climate KIC is Europe’s leading climate innovation agency and community, using a systems approach to shape innovation and help cities, regions, countries and industries meet their climate ambitions. More information: www.climate-kic.org