Mediterranean Forum Highlights Regional Action and Collaboration for Climate Resilience

On 19 June 2025 over 160 participants gathered in Bologna and online for the first-ever Mediterranean Forum on Adaptation to Climate Change, a high-level regional event organised under the EU Mission on Adaptation. The one-day Forum brought together Charter Signatories, local and regional authorities, policymakers, and climate experts to explore how to accelerate climate adaptation in the Mediterranean region. 

Co-hosted by the City of Bologna and the Emilia-Romagna Region, the Forum focused on the power of multi-level governance, citizen engagement, and targeted investment to strengthen climate resilience across one of Europe’s most climate-vulnerable regions. 

The day opened with welcome remarks from Michele de Pascale (President, Emilia-Romagna Region), Matteo Lepore (Mayor, City of Bologna), and a video message from Raffaele Fitto (Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, European Commission), followed by a lightning talk on the role of climate data in adaptation planning specifically in the Mediterranean. 

The High-Level Panel, chaired by Elina Bardram of the European Commission, set the tone with a strong call for local action, regional collaboration, and EU-level support. Panelists shared insights from different Mediterranean contexts, emphasising the importance of political leadership and community-driven strategies. 

Throughout the day, three interactive sessions addressed key enablers of resilience: 

• Funding integrated planning, highlighting innovative financing models from the European Investment Bank, Cassa Depositi e Prestiti, and others
• Citizen engagement, featuring local approaches from Bologna, Marseille, and the European Climate Pact
• Scaling preparedness, with examples from across the region showcasing collaborative efforts to address shared climate risks 

The event concluded with a networking reception at Bologna’s historic Sala Borsa, where participants reflected on the day’s discussions and future opportunities for cooperation. 

This inaugural event underlined the need for targeted, place-based adaptation strategies and reaffirmed the importance of peer exchange and knowledge-sharing across the Mission Community. 

View the Mission Mediterranean Forum slides and recording

Watch the Mission Mediterranean Forum highlights video