MEP Leire Pajín (S&D) has asked the European Commission what measures it is taking to prevent, prepare for and respond to the potential El Niño episode, which the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) says is 80% likely between June and August 2026 and 90% likely to last until November. In a written parliamentary question on 22 June 2026, Pajín cited UN Secretary-General António Guterres' warning that the phenomenon increases the risk of extreme weather events such as rainfall, floods, fires, heatwaves, droughts and cyclones in Europe and globally. She also asked whether the Commission has extended the rescEU reserve in line with the EU's fire strategy, given the heightened fire risk.
The question, addressed to the Commission, seeks concrete information on EU preparedness and response plans. Pajín's query implies a need for proactive measures rather than reactive ones, and highlights the potential impact on European citizens and disaster management authorities. The Commission is expected to reply within approximately six weeks, and its answer will signal the EU's policy direction on climate-related disaster preparedness. The question touches on the cleavage between public safety and resource allocation, as extending rescEU reserves would require additional funding and coordination with member states.