EU: persistent investment gaps in financing climate adaptation (EEA)

"Agriculture, energy, and transport are among the sectors most vulnerable to climate change, observes EEA in a study published on 12/01/2026. Making these sectors climate resilient may require estimated investments of between €53 bn and €137 bn annually by 2050 and a further €59 bn to €173 bn annually by 2100, depending on the climate emissions scenario. Current committed funding levels are estimated at just €15-16bn per year for these sectors."

The European Environment Agency's study highlights the impact of climate change effects on the European economy, as well as the opportunities it represents for future competitiveness, security, and innovation. "For climate adaptation and resilience to be most effective, it must happen early, and ideally now, in order to support climate mitigation efforts", declare the authors.

The combined current annual funding gap for the three sectors is estimated to range from a deficit of €39 bn to €120 bn up to 2050, and to range between €44 bn and €157 bn until 2100, depending on the climate scenario.

Key outcomes of the EEA report

Estimated costs…