Minister Henning-Kloska,

Dear Rector,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Good morning, everyone.

Delighted to see you all here in Wrocław. A big thanks to the Polish Presidency of the EU and to 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 worsening, with severe weather events affecting Europe. In places like Alfafar and Wrocław, residents faced devastating floods. Such incidents are becoming common, emphasizing the need for immediate action. The EU Mission on Adaptation is vital, helping regions assess risks and improve resilience. Today, we welcome 16 new signatories to the Mission Charter. Over 300 regions are now part of this initiative. The Mission offers tailored assessments and funding for local solutions, with EUR 120 million in new calls and EUR 21 million in sub-grants. Real-world actions are underway, including in Wrocław. However, greater coordination is needed at all levels. The Commission will prepare a European Climate Adaptation Plan, promoting resilience by design. We must ensure policies and investments withstand extreme weather. Stories of community efforts, like those by Patrycja Rozmus and Kamil Karpiński, inspire us to act. Thank you for your efforts and support.