The dangerous situation in Europe – the worst drought since the 16th century

The dangerous situation in Europe – the worst drought since the 16th century

Two-thirds of Europe is now experiencing a severe drought, which leads to a combination of declining trade and economic opportunities.

water shortage

The European Commission stated that the situation is very urgent and that the EU suffers from the following shortcomings due to severe drought, among others:

– Impeding transportation possibilities

Low electricity production

Water shortage

Decreased food production

European Commission calculations show that 47 percent of the European Union is within the drought-affected region.

Difficult drought is now worse

The severe drought that has affected many regions in Europe since the beginning of the year has worsened, according to the European Drought Observatory, EDO.

The western Mediterranean region is expected to be further negatively affected by the warmer and drier weather until November, according to a France 24 report.

It is about insufficient amounts of precipitation, which is also aggravated by extremely high temperatures.

worst affected countries

The following 17 countries are particularly affected according to the European Commission’s mapping:

Portugal

Spain

France

Italia

Switzerland

Germany

Holland

Belgium

Luxembourg

United kingdom

Ireland

Slovakia

Hungary

Serbia

Romania

Moldova

Ukraine

Because of climate change

The ongoing heat wave and water shortages have created previously unrecorded pressure on water levels across the European Union, says EU Research Commissioner Maria Gabriel.

– Climate change is undoubtedly more and more visible every year, the Commissioner confirms.

Almost all of Europe’s rivers have been affected by drought to varying degrees, according to the new European Commission report.

Stock photos: O. Sushko

Text: Editors