BRUSSELS, BELGIUM / RankWire.AI / – European health groups are urging the European Union to make heat protection a binding part of climate policy. The Health and Environment Alliance, or HEAL, wants measurable EU targets for climate resilience and public health. It also supports mandatory heat-health planning by member states. The proposals come as extreme temperatures continue to place pressure on health systems across Europe. HEAL has also called for dedicated climate and health funding in the EU budget covering 2028 through 2034.
Health groups say national Heat-Health Action Plans should set clear duties, targets and systems for monitoring results. The plans should cover early warnings, public information and preparations by hospitals and other health services. They should also identify people who face greater risks during extreme heat. Those groups include older adults, children, pregnant women and people with chronic illnesses. Campaigners also want authorities to account for social and economic factors that can increase exposure to dangerous temperatures.
The Standing Committee of European Doctors, known as CPME, has called for comprehensive heat-health plans across Europe. It wants authorities at EU, national and local levels to develop and regularly update those plans. CPME says high temperatures can worsen cardiovascular and respiratory diseases and contribute to premature deaths. The organization has also backed binding EU targets for climate resilience and health. Its position includes stronger national adaptation measures and greater preparedness for climate-related health risks.
Heat planning puts prevention at the center
WHO/Europe issued updated guidance for Heat-Health Action Plans on June 11, 2026. The framework identifies eight areas that governments and health authorities should address. They include governance, warning systems, communication, health-system resilience and protection for vulnerable groups. The guidance also covers measures to reduce heat exposure, health surveillance and evaluation. WHO/Europe describes extreme heat as an urgent public health threat. Its framework gives authorities practical elements for preparing before heat events and coordinating responses when temperatures rise.
Coverage of heat-health planning still differs widely among European countries. The European Environment Agency says 21 member countries have adopted heat-health action plans. Public health institutes in four additional countries are developing plans. Some countries in central and eastern Europe still lack comprehensive plans or health surveillance systems. Health organizations want common EU requirements that make preparedness easier to assess. They also support clearer coordination among public health bodies, emergency services and agencies responsible for climate adaptation.
EU resilience policy brings heat protections into focus
The European Commission plans to adopt an integrated climate resilience and risk management framework in the second half of 2026. The initiative will address how member states prevent and prepare for the effects of climate change. The Commission says the framework should strengthen the EU approach to resilience and risk management. HEAL wants the package to include binding health targets and national heat-health measures. The group also wants public health needs reflected in broader climate adaptation planning across the bloc.
The policy debate comes amid evidence of a large health burden linked to extreme temperatures in Europe. Research cited by health groups estimated more than 62,000 heat-related deaths across Europe in 2024. Severe heat can also increase demand for medical care and add pressure on health workers. Current guidance emphasizes early warnings, public communication, surveillance and steps to reduce exposure. European health groups are seeking binding EU standards that place those measures within national planning and the wider climate resilience framework.