Lithuania: Climate Change Adaptation Law

On 11 June 2026, Lithuania’s Parliament adopted the Climate Change Adaptation Law, establishing a legal framework for developing and implementing adaptation policy, managing climate-related risks, and collecting and providing relevant information. The law defines the responsibilities of national and municipal authorities, with municipalities required to prepare climate change adaptation plans by the end of 2030. The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service will serve as an expert centre, providing municipalities with methodological and technical support.

The Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service under the Ministry of Environment will act as a centre of expertise for implementing climate change adaptation policy. It will provide expert advice and methodological guidance to municipalities, helping them plan and implement adaptation measures effectively. Climate-related losses are already substantial and must be reduced. According to the European Environment Agency, direct and indirect losses in Lithuania amounted to around €700 million in 2024, equivalent to approximately 0.8% of GDP. Efforts must therefore focus on preventing these losses from increasing and strengthening the country’s resilience to extreme events.