Minister Henning-Kloska,

Dear Rector,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, everyone.

Its wonderful to see you all here in Wrocław. Many thanks to the Polish EU Presidency and the Technical University of Wrocław for hosting us today. This is the 4th Forum for the EU Mission on Adaptation to Climate Change. The climate crisis is escalating, with severe weather events impacting Europe. In towns like Alfafar and Wrocław, residents have endured devastating floods. Such events are increasingly common, highlighting the urgent need for action. The EU Mission on Adaptation is crucial, assisting regions in assessing risks and enhancing resilience. Today, we welcome 16 new signatories to the Mission Charter. Over 300 regions are now involved in this effort. The Mission provides tailored risk assessments and funding for local solutions, with EUR 120 million in new calls and EUR 21 million in sub-grants. Real-world actions are being implemented, including here in Wrocław. However, stronger coordination is essential at all levels. The Commission will develop a European Climate Adaptation Plan, emphasizing resilience by design. We must ensure policies and investments are prepared for extreme weather. Stories of community efforts, such as those by Patrycja Rozmus and Kamil Karpiński, inspire us to take action. Thank you for your dedication and support.