EU plans stronger response to climate change – EnviroNews

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European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, says the European Union plans measures to better prepare for the growing effects of climate change following record heatwaves in recent months.

Von der Leyen said this on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, while addressing EU lawmakers in Strasbourg, noting that recent summer months had been the hottest ever recorded.

She said the European Commission would present a new strategy in October to improve the bloc’s response to climate related consequences.

According to von der Leyen, the strategy would identify 100 areas across Europe considered most at risk and determine how climate-related risks should be managed.

She said the approach would involve society as a whole, from European institutions to local communities.

Von der Leyen also announced plans to improve insurance coverage for losses resulting from climate-related disasters.

She said the commission would present a European heat wave plan following more than 35,000 additional deaths recorded during heat waves this year.

The plan would include improved early-warning systems, stronger emergency preparedness in the health sector, and measures to adapt and cool cities.

The commission also plans to launch an European water initiative aimed at securing reliable long-term supplies of water and food.

Von der Leyen said Europe’s water networks currently lose almost one in every four litres, largely due to leaks.

She stressed that reliable water supplies were essential for agriculture and livestock, with entire harvests depending on adequate water availability.