Some 62 climate-vulnerable regions across Europe have been selected to participate in the Pathways2Resilience initiative, in order to strengthen their climate adaptation planning.
With the new additions, Pathways2Resilience, a flagship initiative of the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change, which is coordinated by Climate KIC, is now supporting 100 local and regional authorities across the continent, representing a combined population of more than 100 million people.
Advancing climate resilience
“I warmly welcome all regions selected in the second Pathways2Resilience cohort,” commented Elina Bardram, mission adaptation manager at the European Commission. “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.”
The newly-selected regions will participate in the programme from January 2026 to August 2027 – a year-and-a-half long period during which they will bolster their climate adaptation strategies and develop action plans aimed at addressing physical climate risks.
These regions, which collectively are home to around 500 million people, face a number of climate hazards – 43% of citizens living in said regions identified coastal and river flooding as a key concern, followed by heat stress (36%), and drought (21%).
As part of the scheme, each participating region will receive €210,000 in direct funding, along with access to tools, guidance on methodology, peer learning from regions that have already participated in the process, and mentoring from climate resilience experts.
This second selection round completes the allocation of the project’s €21 million cascade funding, Climate KIC said.
‘Powerful and diverse network’
“With 100 regions now on board, Pathways2Resilience is creating a powerful and diverse network of local communities committed to climate adaptation,” commented 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.”
Climate KIC will host the Pathways2Resilience Summit in Budapest on 11 February. Read more here and here.
