Join us for the upcoming EU Local Dialogue on Climate Adaptation in Maribor (Slovenia), organized by Vlasta Krmelj (SI/EPP), where the participants will explore how municipalities can actively contribute to climate resilience through local adaptation action plans.
In July 2025, Slovenia adopted the Climate Act, laying the groundwork for a national adaptation strategy and regional adaptation action plans, expected by 2028. This legislation is highly relevant to municipal governance, and the European Commission, in collaboration with the European Committee of the Regions, is preparing an adaptation action plan to support this effort.
With the new EU financial framework post-2027 earmarking substantial resources for climate adaptation, municipalities are encouraged to begin drafting their local adaptation action plans. These plans will not only inform regional strategies but also serve as a gateway to EU funding through 2034. Recent estimates suggest that the 2025 heatwave alone could result in damages of €126 billion by 2030, underscoring the urgency of local action.
The event will feature discussions on the value of combining “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches to climate adaptation planning. We will examine how municipalities can shape their own plans while aligning with national and regional strategies - ensuring that the Climate Act becomes a locally owned initiative.
Speakers include:
- Andrej Gnezda, Ministry of the Environment, Climate Directorate Director (tbc)
- Vlasta Krmelj, Member of the European Committee of the Regions and Climate Pact Ambassador
- Gregor Macedoni, President of the Association of Municipalities of Slovenia and CoR Member
- Ivan Žagar, Head of the Slovenian Delegation to the CoR
- Mayors: Urška Repolusk (Ruše), Marko Rakovnik (Lovrenc na Pohorju), Miran Pušnik (Podvelka), Alan Bukovnik (Radlje ob Dravi)
Partners:
- Regional Development Agency of Podravje
- Slovene Association of Municipalities
- Ministry for Environment, Energy and Climate (TBC)
Target Audience:
Mayors, Vice-Mayors, Municipal Councillors, and decision-makers from municipalities in the Podravje region.