FEDARENE’s Insights on Climate Adaptation: What Happened in June 2025

June 2025 could well be called the adaptation month. Climate leaders, regional and local stakeholders, and participants from all over Europe came together to exchange experiences, explore the latest research, and foster collaboration in addressing climate impacts.

As part of its commitment to advancing integrated and locally driven climate resilience, and in line with its role within the Mission Implementation Platform (MIP4Adapt) and the REGILIENCE project, FEDARENE actively participated in these events. They provided valuable platforms for sharing challenges, solutions, innovations, and ambitions, all contributing to the collective goal of building a greener, more inclusive, and safer future.

Snapshot of the workshops, conferences and forums

The month began with the European Conference on Climate Change Adaptation (ECCA), one of the largest and most influential events on the subject, held every two years. The 2025 edition took place in Rimini, Italy, and brought together over 400 stakeholders to present and discuss research findings and implementation experiences from climate adaptation projects aimed at securing safe and resilient communities. MIP4Adapt was present at ECCA with a dedicated stand, showcasing not only the platform itself but also sharing information about the upcoming Mission Adaptation calls and related Info Days.

Following ECCA, on 19 June, the spotlight shifted to Bologna, Italy, where the Mediterranean Forum for the Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change took place. Organised by the EU Mission on Adaptation, this year’s forum gathered 160 participants and focused on the power of multi-level governance, citizen engagement, and targeted investments to enhance climate resilience in the Mediterranean, one of Europe’s most climate-vulnerable regions.

The forum was followed by a workshop on 20 June, organised by the REGILIENCE project, which delved deeper into specific adaptation topics with representatives from Mediterranean territories. The workshop explored issues such as climate-proofing and Nature-Based Solutions (NbS).

The adaptation events concluded with the European Urban Resilience Forum (EURESFO 2025), developed during 25-27 June. The 12th edition, co-organised by ICLEI, the European Environment Agency (EEA), and the City of Rotterdam, focused on accelerating climate action in urban areas. A key highlight was a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities faced by Europe’s outermost regions, organised by the REGILIENCE project, encouraging reflection on collaboration between islands and mainland Europe.

EURESFO kicked off with a pre-workshop organised also by REGILIENCE, bringing together experts from various EU projects working on storms, droughts, and floods, and European stakeholders working or interested in the topics. Participants shared results, exchanged insights, and explored innovative financing mechanisms, including Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs).

Key learnings from the events

• Public and private financial support is strategic for advancing climate adaptation. EU resources dedicated to climate resilience have increased, reflecting the growing urgency to accelerate adaptation efforts on the ground. In recent years, collaboration between the European Commission and institutions like the European Investment Bank (EIB) has been strengthened to enhance the financing of adaptation projects, although climate action targets are still not being fully met. Blended financing models show promise, particularly in smaller regions, but there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Continued international public funding remains essential to attract private sector investment and ensure long-term sustainability. The Horizon Europe Missions, including the EU Mission on Adaptation, have created the foundation for regions and cities to scale up adaptation efforts, offering clear guidance to local authorities and stakeholders as they move toward more climate-resilient futures.
• Adaptation and mitigation are two sides of the same coin. While mitigation projects often receive more attention due to their measurable returns, combining both is essential to attract broader investments and ensure long-term impact.
• Adaptation planning must be fair, local and inclusive. Adaptation must be asset- and location-specific, and must incorporate climate justice as a fundamental principle. European mainland can draw inspiration from localised approaches in the outermost regions. A clear example is Guadeloupe’s Local Adaptation Fund to support innovation in the agricultural sector. While private investment in agriculture remains limited due to perceived risk, these funds demonstrate that flexible, locally-based solutions can succeed with clear political commitments. On this front, the scientific community should provide solid evidence to inform and drive (local) policy changes into clear and actionable ideas that support systemic adaptation.
• Multi-level governance and citizen engagement are key to strengthening climate resilience, particularly in vulnerable regions like the Mediterranean. Everybody must get on board throughout the governmental levels and sectors for adaptation plans to remain effective and responsive to evolving risks and changing local conditions.
• Integrated, high-quality data is essential for effective planning, implementation, and monitoring of adaptation strategies. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enable the development of tailored adaptation models, improving our understanding of the complex interconnections between climate, energy, water, food, and other critical systems.

A call to action

The events of June 2025 made it clear: the path to a climate-resilient future demands bold actions, shared responsibility, and local ownership. As climate risks intensify, we must act and deliver solutions smarter, faster, and in a more systemic way, mobilising knowledge, funding, and innovation across all levels of society. Now is the time to turn plans into impact, ensuring no one is left behind, and getting prepared for the challenges ahead.