16.000 heat-related deaths: the EU calls for better preparedness

The recent extreme heatwave has caused more than 16,000 additional deaths in Europe. A European health coordination committee adopted a series of recommendations on July 30 to strengthen member states' preparedness for the increasing frequency of such events.

Europe is warming faster than any other continent, and its public health systems remain "insufficiently prepared" to cope with prolonged periods of extreme heat. This is the conclusion reached by the European committee responsible for coordinating preparedness and response to serious cross-border threats to health, in an opinion adopted on July 30.

The health consequences of heat waves extend far beyond heatstroke alone. Prolonged periods of high temperatures exacerbate pre-existing conditions, increase the strain on hospitals, and affect the health of plants and animals, impacting livelihoods and mental health. These events also increase the risk of forest fires, degrading air quality and damaging critical infrastructure.

Among the most vulnerable populations are the elderly, children, pregnant women, people with chronic illnesses, and outdoor workers. The committee calls on member states to better target these groups with evidence-based measures, particularly for participants in large public events.

The opinion recommends a "cross-sectoral approach mobilizing all public authorities and society," combining short-, medium-, and long-term actions. In concrete terms, this implies strengthening coordination between ministries, regularly updating "heat-health" action plans by involving public health and civil protection authorities, and improving information sharing through the EU's early warning and response system.

The committee emphasizes the need for training healthcare professionals to recognize and treat heat-related illnesses. It also calls for enhanced public communication, including multilingual advice for tourists, seasonal workers, and cross-border commuters. Persistent data gaps will need to be addressed through the European Climate and Health Observatory.

These recommendations are part of a precise institutional timetable: the European Commission is preparing an integrated framework for climate resilience, expected before the end of 2026, which will have to strengthen the Union's capacity to deal with climate risks, including episodes of extreme heat.