Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, firmly defended the EU’s climate goals. Speaking on Wednesday during her address on the state of the Union to the European Parliament in Strasbourg, she stated, “The change is complex, and we will have to adapt and learn as time goes on. But there is no doubt: Europe can, must, and will maintain its course toward our climate goals.”
She also called on member states to significantly increase their preparedness for extreme weather events. This is particularly crucial after a summer characterized by intense heatwaves and wildfires across Europe. Furthermore, she stressed the need to improve insurance coverage against climate damage. Currently, private insurance only covers about 25 percent of disaster damages in Europe. This situation often forces national budgets to step in as the last resorts for compensation. To close this gap, the Commission will establish a climate insurance alliance.
Without going into further detail, von der Leyen also announced that she will present a European heatwave plan and a European water initiative. These measures are intended to enhance the EU’s resilience against the effects of climate change.
