Greek European Parliament member and New Democracy spokesman Dimitris Tsiodras has sent urgent questions to the European Commission asking how it will make Europe’s islands stronger against the climate crisis.

Before the Commission publishes its new EU Climate Adaptation Plan, Tsiodras wants to know:
– How the plan will meet island needs
– If the EU will create special funds to help local councils carry out climate-resilience projects

He says, “Climate change and events like water shortage and drought hit islands hard, hurting their ecosystems and putting at risk their food safety, infrastructure and economic sectors such as tourism and farming.”

The Commission has already said that in the next EU budget (2028-2034) it will lock 35% of all money for climate and environment actions. These actions include cutting emissions, adapting to new weather patterns and building resilience.

Tsiodras adds that the coming Adaptation Plan is a big chance for islands to boost their ability to cope so they can stay livable and profitable.

He ends by stressing the need for better networking and cooperation tools between towns and regions in different countries so they can swap best practices.

Full text of his three questions:

“Climate change and events like water shortage and drought hit islands hard, hurting their ecosystems and putting at risk their food safety, infrastructure and economic sectors such as tourism and farming.

The European Commission, in its proposal for the next EU budget (2028-2034), has set a target to earmark 35% of available funds for actions related to climate and the environment, including actions for climate-change mitigation, adaptation and resilience.

Also, the upcoming EU Climate Adaptation Plan is an important opportunity for islands to improve their adaptation capacities so their sustainability can be secured.

1. What steps will it take to make sure the Plan meets island needs and protects them from climate-crisis risks?

2. Will it create special funding tools to support local government in carrying out strategies that strengthen resilience to climate change and deal with its impacts?

3. How will it boost networking and build cooperation tools between towns and regions in different countries so they can share best practices?”