Address by Commissioner Lenarčič at the EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis

EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis

Ladies and gentlemen,

We gather here today to remember the many victims of the climate crisis around the world.

Today we remember that tragic event three years ago when devastating floods submerged regions across Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands and Luxembourg.

They took the lives of more than 220 people. Including 15-year-old Rosa.

I am grateful to Benjamin, who is here with us today.

Benjamin heroically tried to save Rosa's life, but unfortunately the strength of the raging water was too much.

In the years since that tragedy, Benjamin has honoured the memory of Rosa and all other victims by campaigning tirelessly for climate justice.

We can all draw inspiration from Benjamin: from his courage and his drive for action. Because devastating events like this can either be a cause for despair or they can become pivotal moments for change.

That is why this commemoration is so important. To both commemorate all victims of climate change and raise awareness on what can be done to mitigate and prepare for future climate disasters.

Because the consequences of the climate crisis are no longer simply a distant, abstract threat. They are already part of our everyday reality.

Climate change is making extreme weather events everywhere more frequent, more intense and more unpredictable.

We see this in action across Europe, which last year experienced its worst wildfire season on record. And we can see it in the Caribbean, which was struck only last week by Hurricane Beryl.

As this global crisis worsens, so too will the dangers we all face.

The European Union will continue its efforts to mitigate climate change. But we are also preparing for a more dangerous future by strengthening our actions on adaptation and resilience.

And when disasters do strike, people everywhere can count on European solidarity.

When those floods struck Belgium three years ago, Europe was there to answer the call for assistance. France, Italy and Austria came to Belgium's aid, deploying over 150 rescuers along with divers, boats and a helicopter via our EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

This was the first time Belgium had requested assistance through this Mechanism for natural disasters.

Europe stood ready to answer that call. Just as it stands ready today to help people in need wherever they are.

This commemoration is a reminder that climate action is much more than emissions reduction and green transition policies.

It is about people. People like Rosa.

It is through climate action that we can keep people and communities safe and give the next generation hope for a better tomorrow.

Thank you.