Event information and visual

Adapting to Climate Change: Making the EU more water resilient by learning from successes on the ground

Water resilience is a defining challenge for Europe’s climate, environmental, and economic future. Climate change is already intensifying droughts, floods, water pollution and ecosystem degradation, with tangible impacts on food systems, public health, biodiversity and regional competitiveness. In response, the European Union is advancing two major initiatives for 2026 – the Water Resilience Strategy and the European Climate Adaptation Plan – which will guide EU action for the next decade.

This event aims to ensure that these strategies are based in real experience. While EU policies set the overall direction, many effective and innovative solutions to water challenges are already being designed and implemented at local and regional level. Regions, cities, researchers and civil society actors are testing new approaches to integrated water management, ecosystem restoration, flood protection, circular water systems and climate adaptation – often ahead of EU-wide regulation.

Bringing these place-based experiences into the European Parliament is the core objective of the event. By showcasing concrete initiatives and lessons learned on the ground, the discussion will help bridge the gap between policy ambition and practical implementation. It will highlight what works, the barriers local and regional actors face and what kind of EU support would most effectively accelerate water resilience efforts.

Regional stakeholders will gain visibility at EU level, contribute directly to shaping future policy and exchange knowledge with policymakers and peers. Pirita Lindholm, on behalf of ERRIN, will participate and underline the importance of the place-based dimension in water resilience and climate adaptation policies, stressing the role of regions as key drivers of innovation and implementation.

The event will conclude with a networking moment during a project exhibition, creating space for informal exchange and collaboration. Regions interested in showcasing good practices (for example through a poster, roll-up, or flyers) are invited to contact ana.nava@errin.eu to take part.

More information and link to registration