At the initiative of the Socialists and Democrats, the European Parliament is holding an urgent key plenary debate today in response to the devastating floods across Central and Eastern Europe.

The S&Ds expressed their condolences to the families of those that lost their lives and solidarity with all the people affected. They called for the mobilisation of an EU emergency response for the areas impacted by cyclone Boris, including through the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve, the EU Solidarity Fund and the Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

Looking ahead, the S&Ds insist that beyond emergency responses, the European Union must significantly increase investment in climate change prevention. Reducing emissions remains a top priority, since the cost of inaction is much higher than the cost of combating climate change. In addition, as the impacts of climate change are already being felt, establishing a European Climate Adaptation Law is now crucial to safeguarding citizens, supporting farmers, protecting the environment, and reinforcing critical infrastructure.

Iratxe García Pérez, president of the S&D Group, said:

“Once again, Europe confronts the catastrophic consequences of heavy rainfall and severe flooding. Several citizens have lost their lives and the number is rising. Thousands have lost their homes and belongings. It is important that citizens know that Europe won’t leave them alone in their hardest times. Strong civil protection measures, paired with adequate EU solidarity funding, are essential to mitigating human suffering. However, Europe has to do more, not only to provide immediate relief to all affected by the floods, but also to prevent such disasters from happening in future and avert the impact of climate change.

“According to the European Environment Agency, in the European Union alone, floods, devastating wildfires, scorching heatwaves and prolonged droughts have already inflicted staggering economic losses exceeding €650 billion since 1980, claiming 195,000 lives. In 2023 alone, more than 47,000 people in Europe died from the heat. And every year, more than 300,000 Europeans lose their lives prematurely due to air pollution.

“This latest disaster is a stark reminder that the climate crisis is, first and foremost, a social one. This should not become the new normal. Therefore, the S&Ds will continue fighting for strong EU efforts to avoid catastrophic global warming and adapt to its already existing impacts.”

Mohammed Chahim, S&D co-vice-president for the Green Deal, said:

“Extreme weather events are here, and they are impacting Europe’s most vulnerable the hardest. While mitigating climate change is crucial, we must also adapt to its consequences.

“The European Climate Adaptation Law should focus on natural solutions which are the most cost-effective way to fight global warming while minimising its impacts on cities and rural areas. It must also prioritise disadvantaged and climate-vulnerable regions and ensure sufficient funding for those affected by climate impacts.”