The European Union has an especially important role to play in cases where the effects of climate change go beyond national borders, for instance, in the context of river and maritime basins and biogeographical regions. It is also increasingly evident that adaptation will require solidarity among member states so that the disadvantaged regions and those hardest hit by climate change are able to take the adaptation measures needed. Regions wish to take on this role in full. They are in the frontline and consequently want to be more involved in decision making at both EU and international levels.

LEGITIMATE DEMAND

Article 4 of the United Nations Climate Change Convention (UNCCC) states that “every effort must be made to adopt national or regional adaptation strategies”. Some EU member states have already done so. Others are still dragging their feet. It is now obvious, however, that the regions have to be involved in implementing these strategies and policies. The European Commission recognises this in its ‘White paper on adapting to climate change: Towards a European framework for action’ ⁽¹⁾. The regions nevertheless regret that this gives priority to the development of partnerships between the EU and member states. Cities and regions, therefore, insist on being more closely involved in decision making and implementation of the white paper’s measures. Their demand is legitimate and in keeping with multilevel governance.

APPROPRIATE FINANCING

Theoretically, the regions are already involved in the programming of Structural Funds. Here, too, however, it is usually national governments that set priorities. The regions are concerned because the adaptation white paper concerns measures to be taken during the first phase (2009-2012), suggesting a possible reprogramming of decisions and/or of guidelines already adopted for this period and does not prejudice the future structure of either the EU budget or the current multiannual financial framework (2007-2013) or the next (2014-2020).

This is “a serious mistake,” say regional officials, who consider it essential for the decisions taken at the Copenhagen climate conference to be built into future EU policies, including the new Cohesion Policy (beyond 2013). Luc Van den Brande, president of the Committee of the Regions, argues that policies must be less compartmentalised, particularly regional policy. “There has to be awareness that to achieve real territorial cohesion, the post-Copenhagen programme must be built into Cohesion Policy. And in that sense, it is normal, even imperative, for the climate factor to be taken into account in the next financial perspectives 2014-2020.”

Their demand is legitimate and in keeping with multilevel governance

White paper on adaptation

Owing to regional variations and the severity of climate change effects, most adaptation measures will be taken at national, regional or local level. The European Commission is of the view that such measures could be supported and strengthened by an integrated approach coordinated at EU level. It sets this out in a white paper, published on 1 April 2009, in which it proposes a European framework for action to improve the EU’s resilience to the impact of climate change. The white paper outlines a phased approach: phase 1 (2009-2012) will lay the groundwork for preparing a comprehensive EU adaptation strategy to be implemented during phase 2, starting in 2013.

Phase 1 will focus on four pillars: 1. building a solid knowledge base on the impact and consequences of climate change for the EU (developing and improving access to scientific data, organisation of a data exchange centre by 2011); 2. integrating adaptation into key EU policy areas; 3. using a combination of policy measures (market-based instruments, guidelines, public-private partnerships) to ensure effective delivery of adaptation; and 4. stepping up international cooperation on adaptation. For cities and regions, one thing is certain: phase 1 will only succeed if the EU, national, regional and local authorities are all fully involved and cooperate closely.

⁽¹⁾ COM(2009)147