The 2026 Climate Chance Brussels Summit brought together a diverse community of climate stakeholders at a crucial moment for European climate policy. As the European Commission prepares its future EU Climate Resilience Framework, the Summit served as a platform for dialogue between local and regional authorities, businesses, NGOs, researchers, European institutions and civil society organisations. Discussions focused on four key pillars of resilience: agriculture, water and energy systems; infrastructure and land-use adaptation; governance and cooperation; and financing and innovation. Throughout the event, participants shared practical experiences and policy recommendations, ensuring that the realities faced by territories on the ground are reflected in the next generation of European resilience policies. The Summit also reinforced Climate Chance’s mission of amplifying the voice of non-state actors in shaping climate adaptation strategies across Europe.
A major outcome of the Summit was the adoption of the Brussels Declaration, a collective call from European non-state actors outlining priorities for the future EU Climate Resilience Framework. The declaration highlights the need for stronger multi-level governance, increased investment in adaptation, improved risk management, and greater support for local and regional implementation. It will be presented by Belgian Minister for Mobility, Climate and Environmental Transition Jean-Luc Crucke at the upcoming Environment Council meeting on 25 June, ensuring that the recommendations developed during the Summit feed directly into European policymaking. As the declaration closely aligns with FEDARENE’s own position paper on the new EU Climate Resilience Framework, FEDARENE was proud to be among the first organisations to endorse it, reaffirming its commitment to a territorial and action-oriented approach to adaptation.
FEDARENE’s participation in the Brussels Summit was part of its longstanding collaboration with Climate Chance, which began at the Climate Chance Europe Summit in Liège two years ago. Since then, the partnership has fostered several exchanges on climate adaptation and resilience. At this year’s Summit, FEDARENE showcased the REGILIENCE+ project alongside other flagship European adaptation initiatives, including MIP4Adapt and Adaptation Hubs. Particular attention was given to REGILIENCE+’s upcoming inventory of 150 proven climate adaptation solutions, a practical resource designed to help local and regional authorities strengthen their resilience to climate impacts. The pitch session provided an excellent opportunity to exchange knowledge with adaptation practitioners, explore innovative approaches to resilience-building, and strengthen partnerships that can accelerate climate adaptation efforts at regional and local level.
FEDARENE was glad to actively participate to the summit and to be among the first signatories of the Brussels declaration. We are looking forward to next events and continuation of the collective efforts to build a strong and ambitious EU framework on Climate Resilience. Read our dedicated position paper and do not hesitate to reach out to discuss it further and join forces.
Check out FEDARENE work on Climate Adaptation here.
