Support tools under CAP 'can be activated' in extreme weather - commissioner
Support tools in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) can be activated to help farmers who have suffered losses because of extreme weather, a European Comissioner said today (Tuesday, February 10).
The European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said the measures under CAP "are essential to protect rural livelihoods and food security".
Speaking in the European Parliament, the commissioner said that the Flood Directive is the EU's key instrument for flood risk management.
"It requires that our member states map risks and develop plans to strengthen their prevention, protection and preparedness.
"These documents are reviewed regularly, but extreme weather events fuelled by climate change are a reminder that we need to step up our game," Commissioner Lahbib said.
Weather events
Europe has faced numerous extreme weather events in recent weeks.
Storms Kristen and Leonardo battered Spain and Portugal last week, causing flooding and major damage. Then Storm Marta hit the Iberian Peninsula on Saturday (February 7), killing two people.
Italy was bombarded by Storm Harry in mid-January, resulting in torrential rain and landslides. The same storm brought 100 km/h winds and high waves to Malta.
Heavy rainstorms in Greece in January left two people dead.
“We must radically step up preparedness for climate impact,” Commissioner Lahbib said.
“Therefore, the commission is also preparing a European integrated framework for climate resilience. It will include a lean legislative proposal and supportive measures.”
“People, companies and policymakers need better information about the climate realities that they are likely to face and how they can prepare for this impact," she added.
Irish weather
While Ireland did not encounter storms as dangerous as those endured by Spain, Portugal and Italy, we had the third warmest year on record last year and the wettest January since 2018.
Co. Dublin observed its second wettest January on record with both Phoenix Park (225% of its Long-Term Average, or LTA) and Dublin Airport (223% of its LTA) having their second wettest January behind January 1948.
Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford was the wettest synoptic station in January with 232.7 mm (230% of its LTA), its wettest January since 1996.
The national mean air temperature of 5.31°C made January 2026 the 59th coldest in 127 years and the coldest January since 2021.
