Small but mighty — climate resilience in Europe’s small municipalities

This briefing showcases how Europe’s small municipalities are building climate resilience despite size-related challenges. It is based on a literature review, case studies and analysis of two EU-level databases and supports the implementation of the EU climate adaptation strategy.

Key messages from the publication

• Small municipalities across Europe are showing strong leadership on climate adaptation, harnessing external networks and knowledge partners and embedding actions into statutory mechanisms, plans, budgets and policies.
• This progress is particularly important as over 40% of Europe's population lives in municipalities of fewer than 20,000 inhabitants, including suburbs, rural areas, and towns. Yet there is insufficient focus on ongoing constraints and subsequently strengthening adaptive capacities.
• Small municipalities face challenges including limited financial and human capacity, networks, experts and data along with missing or unclear responsibilities. Only 16% have adaptation action plans compared to 28% of larger municipalities.
• Despite clear willingness and initiative, the pace and scale of action across Europe still falls short relative to what is needed, and significantly more could be done to fully align implementation capacity with the growing climate risks.