EU Day for the Global Victims of the Climate Crisis

Almost three years have passed since catastrophic floods struck Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands in July 2021. That extreme, unseasonal weather event tragically claimed 220 lives in the region and had a lasting impact on the local economy and communities. The European Commission, Parliament, and Council have agreed to designate 15 July, the day the floods peaked, as the EU Day for the Global Victims of the Climate Crisis.

This day should not only honour those lost to and affected by the climate crisis but also serve 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 and our health.

The ceremony will be attended by David Van Reybrouck and Benjamin Van Bunderen Robberechts, as well as European Commission and Belgian government representatives. The event will feature a live musical performance of arrangements by David Van Reybrouck and Jef Neve, written in honour of the victims of the 2021 Belgian floods.