EP Plenary session - Council and Commission statements - Towards a more disaster resilient EU - protecting people from extreme heatwaves, floods and forest fires

MEPs debate with the Commission the EU’s emergency and humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquake. On 6th of February, a massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the south-eastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, followed by a magnitude 7.6 aftershock later the same day. International estimates suggest the devastation caused by the earthquake could claim up to 20 000 lives. It has destroyed tens of thousands of buildings in the region, and left hundreds of thousands without a home. Opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

EU response to the humanitarian situation following the earthquake in Turkey and Syria: opening statement by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management

MEPs debate with the Commission the EU’s emergency and humanitarian response to the catastrophic earthquake. A massive magnitude 7.8 earthquake hit near the south-eastern Turkish city of Gaziantep, followed by a magnitude 7.6 aftershock later the same day. International estimates suggest the devastation caused by the earthquake could claim up to 20 000 lives. It has destroyed tens of thousands of buildings in the region, and left hundreds of thousands without a home. Extracts from the opening statement by Roberta METSOLA, EP President, minute of silence and announcements by Janez LENARČIČ, European Commissioner for Crisis Management.

EU´s response to the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria: extracts from the debate

Roberta METSOLA, EP President gives her opening statement on the recent earthquake in Türkiye and Syria & Minute of silence before the plenary session in Strasbourg. This transcription is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Resumption of session and order of business: opening remarks by Roberta METSOLA, EP President on the earthquake in Türkiye and Syria & Minute of silence

EPRS identifies and frames some of the top key issues that might feature prominently in public debate and on the political agenda of the European Union this year. In times of crises and war, what are the challenges we must face and choices we have to make? Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Climate and socio-economic tipping points

In 2019, the European Parliament declared a climate emergency, calling for immediate and ambitious action to limit effects of climate change. What stage are we at today? In our video, Liselotte Jensen and Henrique Simões dig into the latest developments and expected impacts of climate change, as well as the required actions to fight this global emergency. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Climate emergency: what stage are we at ?

The Commission, on 24 February 2021, adopted the new EU strategy on climate change adaptation which aims at enhancing the EU’s and the world’s capacity to adapt to and minimise the impacts of climate change and at the same time further develop and accelerate actions across the economy and society. Restrictions: ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Climate adaptation: how can we build resilience?

Climate change generates competition over diminishing natural resources, including food and water. It also causes weather-related disasters, which forced over 61 million people across the globe to flee their homes, in 2020 alone. These issues can exacerbate political instability, social tensions and poverty. The countries most vulnerable to climate change are located in fragile regions wracked by conflict. But the situation in Europe is also alarming! Almost one third of Europeans already face water stress in an average year. ©The material may not be edited and must be shown entirely.

EPRS - Peace and security: climate change

During the summer of 2022, parts of Europe experienced drought conditions exacerbated by heat waves. On 9 August, a senior European Commission researcher said it seemed to be Europe's worst year in 500 years, which was confirmed by the Global Drought Observatory. The footage shows dried-out agricultural fields, cracked earth, agricultural irrigation of fields and dried riverbeds and watercourses.

Infoclip: Climate change - Drought situation in Europe

In mid-July 2021, heavy rainfall and mass flooding in southern Belgium (Wallonia) resulted in multiple deaths and thousands of houses being damaged or collapsing. The footage shows the state of repairs in Pepinster, Eupen and Verviers more than 6 months after the disaster (23/02/2022).

Infoclip: Areas in Belgium affected by floods 2021 - 6 months later

A Regional Development Committee delegation go to the East of Belgium after Netherlands, Germany to visit flood-affected regions. MEPs want to take stock of EU relief measures in these regions following the severe flooding and landslides that hit several European countries in the summer of 2021.

EP REGI delegation to Eupen and Verviers: visit of the flood stricken spots, meeting with local authorities and statement by Younous OMARJEE (The Left,FR), Chair of the REGI delegation

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate on the joint debate on the natural disasters in Europe and possible measures to be taken to support countries and regions affected by natural disasters this summer. (second part of the debate)

Joint debate - Natural disasters in Europe: MEPs debate (Part 2/2)

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate on the joint debate on the natural disasters in Europe and possible measures to be taken to support countries and regions affected by natural disasters this summer. Opening statements by Younous OMARJEE (The Left, FR), rapporteur, and by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms. This transcriptions is a result of an automatic process. Please check against delivery.

Joint debate on the natural disasters in Europe: opening statements by Younous OMARJEE (The Left, FR), rapporteur, and Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate on the joint debate on the natural disasters in Europe and possible measures to be taken to support countries and regions affected by natural disasters this summer.

Joint debate - Natural disasters in Europe: MEPs debate (Part 1/2)

During the plenary session (13-16 September 2021) in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, MEPs participate on the joint debate on the natural disasters in Europe and possible measures to be taken to support countries and regions affected by natural disasters this summer. Closing statements by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.

Joint debate - Natural disasters in Europe: closing statement by Elisa FERREIRA, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

This infoclip illustrates the challenges and the perspectives for the application of the Green Deal, in the perspective of the SOTEU 2021 (effect of the Climate Change, pollution and CO2 emissions, use of renewables and unspoiled nature).

Infoclip: Green Deal

Members of the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) have an exchange of views on natural disasters throughout Europe this summer (floods, fires) in the European Parliament in Brussels.

Exchange of views on natural disasters throughout Europe this summer (floods, fires) in REGI committe: extracts

In the beginning of July, heavy rainfall and mass flooding in Brabant Wallon resulted in multiple deaths and thousands of houses being damaged or collapsing. Belgium activated the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism to ask for help. This infoclip shows the consequences of the floods in Belgium from Hamme-Mille to Wavre: flooded roads, devastated homes, sandbag distribution,...

Infoclip: Floods in Belgium (2)

Members of the Committee on Regional Development (REGI) have an exchange of views on natural disasters throughout Europe this summer (floods, fires), in the European Parliament in Brussels. Opening statements by Younous OMARJEE (The Left, FR), REGI Chair, and by Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms.

Exchange of views on natural disasters throughout Europe this summer (floods, fires) in REGI commitee: opening statements by Younous OMARJEE (The Left, FR), REGI Chair, and by Elisa Ferreira, European Commissioner for Cohesion and Reforms

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