The new European Integrated Framework on Climate Resilience

FEDARENE has published a new position paper on the upcoming European Integrated Framework on Climate Resilience, contributing to the consultation process and outlining recommendations from its members.

As climate risks intensify across Europe, a comprehensive and coherent framework is needed to improve societal resilience, strengthen climate preparedness, and support local and regional authorities in adapting to new realities. FEDARENE’s recommendations focus on four main areas: targets and scenarios, governance, funding and financing, and dedicated support for Regional and Local Authorities.

In the position paper, FEDARENE calls for a shared European vision on climate resilience, while stressing that adaptation must remain place-based. Climate risks and vulnerabilities differ between territories, and the new framework should therefore include objectives and targets that can be adapted at local and regional levels.

FEDARENE also highlights the importance of integrating climate resilience into existing climate action frameworks and legislations. Rather than creating additional administrative burdens, the framework should build on existing tools such as SECAPs and the EU Covenant of Mayors, while encouraging stronger links between climate adaptation, mitigation, and energy efficiency.

This position paper sets out key recommendations to EU policymakers, including the need to:

• Develop a shared definition of climate resilience and climate-resilience-by-design;
• Ensure objectives and targets can be adapted to local and regional realities;
• Clarify mandates and responsibilities across all levels of governance;
• Strengthen multilevel governance and reporting mechanisms;
• Align the new framework with existing climate action frameworks, especially SECAPs and the EU Covenant of Mayors;
• Ensure EU funding programmes are guided by climate-proof principles;
• Reinforce direct support to local and regional authorities and their Energy and Climate Agencies;
• Support the development of local and regional climate observatories;
• Create a climate resilience academy to strengthen technical and administrative capacities;
• Better integrate climate adaptation and mitigation through dedicated funding streams.

The paper underlines that local and regional Energy and Climate Agencies are key actors in Europe’s climate resilience efforts. Thanks to their technical expertise, territorial knowledge, and experience in delivering EU and national projects, agencies are well placed to support local and regional authorities in planning, coordinating, and implementing adaptation measures.

FEDARENE further calls for stronger and more accessible EU funding for climate resilience, including dedicated investment plans, improved reporting on climate resilience financing, and mechanisms that can also mobilise private investment. The paper also stresses the importance of high-resolution local data and observatories to support accurate risk assessments and avoid maladaptation.

With this position paper, FEDARENE and its members reaffirm their commitment to supporting a resilient Europe where climate adaptation is embedded in governance, financing, planning, and implementation at all levels.

Read the full position paper and discover FEDARENE’s recommendations for a climate-resilient Europe.