The European Union's Health Security Committee has adopted an opinion urging member states to engage in systematic planning rather than reacting only when a crisis occurs, and the recommendations will also impact Croatia.
With more than 16,000 additional deaths linked to this year's extreme heat recorded across Europe, the EU's Health Security Committee is demanding a fundamental shift in strategy toward heatwaves. It is clear that Europe, which is warming faster than any other continent, is not adequately prepared.
In an opinion adopted on July 30, 2026, as reported by Euronews and covered by DalmacijaDanas and N1 HR, it is stated that public health systems in many member states remain "insufficiently prepared" to cope with prolonged periods of extreme heat. The Committee emphasizes that addressing this growing threat requires a "cross-sectoral approach involving the whole of government and the whole of society", combining short-term, medium-term, and long-term measures.
The health consequences go far beyond heatstroke. Prolonged periods of high temperatures lead to increased mortality, exacerbate chronic diseases, and place additional strain on healthcare systems. Moreover, they affect the health of flora and fauna, which indirectly impacts human well-being and mental health.
Extreme heat also increases the likelihood of wildfires, further harming public health through poorer air quality, damage to vital infrastructure, and environmental degradation. The most vulnerable groups include the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, and other sensitive populations.
The Committee calls on member states to improve coordination between state bodies and public institutions and to ensure that Health Action Plans for heatwaves are regularly updated. These plans should be developed jointly by public health and civil protection experts. It also calls for improved information sharing through the EU's early warning and response system.
The opinion highlights the need for additional training for healthcare workers to better recognize and treat heat-related illnesses. It also recommends better public communication through multilingual guidance for tourists, seasonal workers, cross-border workers, and those in transit. The Committee also calls for addressing gaps in data collection and strengthening scientific understanding of the health effects of heatwaves through the European Climate and Health Observatory.
These recommendations come at a time when the European Commission is preparing the European Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience, which is expected to be presented by the end of 2026. This framework is expected to further strengthen the EU's preparedness for climate risks, including extreme heat. Although there is no direct mention of Croatia in the sources, the Committee's recommendations and the future framework will directly impact Croatian institutions and the healthcare system as part of the common European strategy.
