A day to commemorate those lost to and affected by the climate crisis, and to reflect on how we can better protect our communities in a changing climate.
In Europe and around the world, people are impacted by the growing risks that climate change poses to their lives, health and livelihoods.
To honour those lost to and affected by the climate crisis, the European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the EU have designated 15 July as the EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis.
While climate change is a global challenge, its consequences are felt locally. The date of 15 July was one of the worst days of the deadly floods that hit Europe in 2021. As our planet heats up, the impacts – from extreme weather events likes heatwaves, droughts or floods, to coastal erosion from rising sea levels – continue to take a toll on lives and livelihoods across Europe and the world, causing a lasting impact on the local economies and communities.
The EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis serves not only to commemorate victims worldwide, but also as a call to action. We must act now to minimise the impact of climate change wherever we can and build resilience to protect what is most precious to us – our lives, our health, and our communities.
2026 commemoration
On 15 July 2026, a panel discussion will be held in Brussels to share insights on preventing climate disasters, protecting local communities, and strengthening resilience against extreme weather events. In parallel, small-scale local events will take place across EU Member States, organised by the European Climate Pact community.
Would you like to organise commemoration or awareness-raising activities to mark the day? For ideas and guidance, check out our information kit.
2025 commemoration
To mark the third annual EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis, on 15 July 2025, a high-level ceremony in Brussels and commemorations across the EU honoured those lost to and affected by the climate crisis and called for further action to reduce the risk of climate impacts.
2024 commemoration
The EU honoured the victims of the global climate crisis with a commemoration ceremony held in Brussels. The event was attended by former Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič and representatives of the Belgian government.
2023 commemoration
The EU Day for the Victims of the Global Climate Crisis was launched with a signing ceremony in Brussels. At the event, signatories from the European Commission, European Parliament, and Council of the EU delivered remarks to pay tribute to all victims of climate-related disasters. On this inaugural commemoration, former Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans embarked on a series of visits to sites of the 2021 flooding.