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In a joint letter to the European Commission on 20 October 2026, the Local Alliance, representing eight major European networks of local and regional governments, calls for the upcoming European Integrated Climate Risk Assessment and Resilience Framework to recognise cities and regions as strategic partners in shaping and delivering Europe’s climate resilience objectives.

With up to 90% of climate adaptation measures undertaken by local and regional governments, cities are already playing a central role in protecting communities from extreme heat, flooding and other climate risks. However, many face limited staffing, uncertain funding and insufficient coordination with national and EU authorities.

The Local Alliance – which includes Eurocities – warns that growing responsibilities must be matched by the decision-making powers, resources and support needed to act effectively. Local governments should be involved in shaping climate adaptation policies and investment decisions, rather than simply implementing decisions made at other levels of government.

To address these challenges, the letter sets out several priorities for the new framework:

• Strengthen cooperation between all levels of government, ensuring cities and regions have a meaningful role in identifying climate risks, setting priorities and shaping adaptation policies.
• Clarify responsibilities for managing climate risks, establishing a common approach that builds on existing local and regional competences and respects national constitutional arrangements.
• Improve climate risk assessments and planning, using shared, accessible and locally relevant information to guide adaptation measures and investment decisions.
• Provide adequate funding and technical support, ensuring cities and regions of all sizes can access the resources, training and expertise needed to strengthen climate resilience.
• Connect the framework to the next EU budget, ensuring that future National and Regional Partnership Plans (NRPPs) reflect existing local adaptation strategies and provide funding for locally identified priorities.

The Local Alliance also calls for permanent cooperation mechanisms bringing together EU, national, regional and local authorities to coordinate climate action, agree on investment priorities and monitor progress.

They state that the success of the European Climate Resilience Framework will depend on how effectively different levels of government work together to protect communities, maintain essential services and prepare for future climate risks.

The Local Alliance stands ready to work with the European Commission to develop a framework that reflects local realities and gives cities and regions the means to deliver Europe’s climate resilience ambitions.

The Local Alliance brings together eight leading European networks representing local and regional governments: Association of Cities and Regions for Sustainable Resource Management (ACR+); Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR); Climate Alliance; Energy Cities; Eurocities; European Federation of Agencies and Regions for Energy and the Environment (FEDARENE);  ICLEI Europe – Local Governments for Sustainability; POLIS Network.