In order to better prioritise adaptation  decisions concerning impacts from a  changing climate, there is a need for  quantitative regional level assessments. In this policy update we provide insights from an impact assessment for three climate-related hazards (heat stress, river flood and forest fire) that is systematic and comparable across different countries in the European Union.  

The results show strongest increases in  impacts for heat stress and forest fires.  Hotspot regions are found in eastern and  southern Europe due to their low adaptive  capacity. The assessment of risk and  capacities to adapt could be a basis to  inform the allocation of financial resources  in EU regional policy. Yet the reactions of  policy makers are sceptic still.