Climate stress and EU cohesion: strengthening European resilience through climate adaptation

This report highlights how climate stress is threatening cohesion within the European Union, as uneven climate impacts across regions risk deepening socio-economic and political divides. Southern and Southeastern Europe are more affected by heat, drought, and wildfires, while Central and Northern regions increasingly face flooding, creating imbalances in economic stability and policy priorities.

The report finds that these disparities could lead to financial tensions, diverging policy agendas, and weakened collective action within the EU. However, it argues that targeted climate adaptation investments, such as resilient agriculture, improved flood management, and infrastructure adaptation, can reduce inequalities, strengthen resilience, and reinforce European cooperation and stability.