Challenging, creative, complex, cross-sectoral – these are some of the words EU regions in the first cohort of the Pathways2Resilience (P2R) programme use to describe their resilience journey so far. Over three years, P2R seeks to support 100 EU regions in advancing their resilience journeys and improving their capacity to manage climate risks.
One year after the call for grants launched, the 39 selected regions and project partners gathered in Málaga, Spain for two days of connection, exchange, and inspiration. The gathering provided a moment to reflect on progress, share lessons, and strengthen collaboration as the cohort moves forward. P2R partners aimed to raise the cohort's collective ambition and lay the groundwork for the next phase - developing adaptation strategies, action plans, and investment plans.
Mr. Alfonso Palacios from the Municipality of Málaga's Department of Environmental Sustainability expressed gratitude as a host city representative: "[It's an] honour; we are very proud to have you here, to have all the partners... we want to thank Climate KIC and the project for choosing Málaga to host this meeting." The gathering presented a valuable opportunity for connection and shared momentum as European regions and support organisations actively work to manage climate impacts. Málaga itself is acutely aware of these challenges as a port city and tourism hotspot facing water scarcity, urban heat island effects, wildfires, and coastal threats.
Regions stretching from the Balkans to the Atlantic Coast and from the Baltic to the Mediterranean reflected on their experiences through interactive exercises. These revealed that while many regions have progressed on developing adaptation strategies, most still have significant work ahead before completing their investment planning.
Peer Learning and Mentoring
Using deep dive formats to enable peer-to-peer conversations, regions shared barriers and celebrated achievements across themes including political engagement, visual communication tools, inclusive adaptation, and adaptation investment. P2R partners drew insights relevant for other regions facing similar issues, helping participants leave with greater readiness for their next steps.
This was followed by world café-style mentoring tables, where consortium partners offered targeted sessions based on their expertise and regional needs. Topics included adaptation options, stakeholder engagement, and innovative facilitation techniques.
Looking Ahead
An exciting announcement was made for a new peer learning opportunity launching in early 2026, led by the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre (RCCC) and ICLEI Europe. Regions will be invited to mentor the incoming second P2R cohort and exchange good practices to support tailored replication. Project partners also confirmed the third round of Innovation Practice Groups (IPGs), scheduled for October 20-24, where regions will engage in expert-led case clinics to deepen their learning and collaboration.
In February 2026, P2R will reconvene in person with the City of Budapest hosting both current and incoming cohorts - bringing together nearly 100 European regions. Mrs. Orsolya Barsi, Head of Climate Change and Environmental Affairs, shared her enthusiasm: "We really look forward to this exciting opportunity to host the next summit.”
Check out our photo album from the event.
