To better support climate adaptation across Europe, REGILIENCE+ launched the Climate Adaptation Survey in October 2025. By mid of March 2026, 139 stakeholders from 27 countries have shared their views. Most respondents are local and regional authorities, followed by academia and private sector actors. Around 85 % are already involved in implementing adaptation measures, meaning the results reflect practical, hands-on experience.
Financing remains the biggest challenge
Across all groups, one message stands out: financing is the main barrier. Stakeholders struggle with limited funding, difficult economic conditions and restricted access to EU programmes. Nearly half of the respondents say they would only consider free tools and services. Many would be willing to pay only if solutions clearly demonstrate cost-effectiveness and measurable benefits
Beyond funding, coordination between stakeholders, lack of political support and public awareness are major obstacles.
Priority risks and sectors
Flooding, extreme heat and drought are the most urgent climate risks identified. When it comes to sectors, water management ranks highest, followed by agriculture, urban and biodiversity protection. The respondents view these areas as particularly vulnerable and in need of practical solutions.
Different priorities across regions
While some identified solution needs overlap in Europe (such as flooding and water management), there are also regional differences. In Eastern Europe, heat and drought are key concerns, with a strong sector focus on urban development and disaster preparedness. In northern regions, hazards such as ice and snow are prominent, and sectors such as energy and land-use planning are in need of attention. In Western Europe, heat remains a central issue, while gaps are particularly visible in water scarcity and ecosystem restoration. Mediterranean countries face a combination of heat, drought, and water scarcity, with water management and agriculture being key sectors. Outside the EU, drought and heat are the main risk concerns, together with the land-use planning and water management sectors.
What kind of support is needed?
Stakeholders are not just asking for more information – they want practical support. This includes:
- Clear information on costs and benefits of adaptation measures
- Help with implementation
- Better coordination across governance levels
- Easier access to reliable climate data
In terms of communication, respondents prefer webinars, workshops and peer exchange over long written reports. Researchers and experts are the most trusted knowledge sources, and many stakeholders prefer information in their national language or in both English and their native language.
What does this mean for REGILIENCE+?
The results show that adaptation actors need solutions that are practical, affordable and easy to access. Financial barriers remain central, and peer learning plays a key role. REGILIENCE+ will therefore focus on supporting implementation, strengthening coordination and providing accessible, user-friendly knowledge that responds directly to stakeholder needs.
If you would like to know more about the needs of the stakeholders in Europe, please contact Christine [christine.matauschek@fresh-thoughts.eu] or info@regielence.eu.