Minister for Environment and Energy Dr Miriam Dalli said that the effects of extreme climate conditions for an island state such as Malta are a national issue and directly affect food supply, tourism, and the quality of life of our communities.
During the Environment Council of the European Union held in Cyprus, Minister Miriam Dalli called for a flexible and adequately funded European resilience framework to address areas affected by extreme weather.
During the meeting, Ministers for the Environment and Climate discussed and analysed the European Framework on Climate Resilience.
Minister Dalli referred to Malta’s recent experience with extreme weather, explaining how these events are having an increasing impact on people, infrastructure, and food security in the Mediterranean region.
“Malta has just gone through the serious effects of Storm Harry, which created problems for fishers, destroyed agricultural land, and caused damage to coastal infrastructure. For a small island state, a storm like this is a national issue. It directly affects food supply, tourism, and the quality of life of our communities,” the Minister said.
“Storm Harry is not an exception. Extreme events are becoming more frequent and more intense. At the same time, during summer, particularly in the Mediterranean, we are experiencing record temperatures. This clearly shows that climate risks affect every sector and that isolated solutions are not sufficient.”
Minister Miriam Dalli also explained the work currently underway in Malta on a National Climate Resilience Plan, which aims to strengthen preparedness and resilience in the most vulnerable areas, particularly in the water sector.
“Given our country’s climate, water resilience is essential. Malta is aligning its national adaptation plan with other related strategies, such as water management and flood risk plans. Early warning systems and joint planning are crucial if we are to respond effectively to climate impacts.”
She welcomed the European Water Resilience Strategy and the forthcoming European Framework on Climate Resilience, while stressing the need for a flexible European framework that takes into account the differences between Member States, particularly small island states. “There cannot be a one-size-fits-all solution, and following the pressure we have applied, the European Commission appears to be recognising the importance of this. I will continue to insist that the European framework must be flexible and reflect our different realities.”
The Minister also stressed that financing remains crucial to building resilience across Europe. “Financing is the foundation of resilience. European funding programmes should continue to strengthen national resilience and support projects of public interest,” she said, while emphasising the need for small projects from different Member States to be presented together in order to attract funding or private investment.
The meeting served as a space for dialogue between Member States ahead of the European Union’s presentation of new legislative and strategic initiatives on climate adaptation and resilience.
Photo: MEEC
