In brief
The report highlights that current erosion costs exceed €1 billion a year across 28 European countries, and that Europe could lose up to €800 billion by 2100 without major policy changes. It urges a shift to planned retreat, banning new developments and moving existing infrastructure inland, citing France and Venice as case studies. Early relocation and updated risk mapping offer cost savings and reduce future damage.
On Monday, November 2, 2026 the Council of Europe released a report warning that coastal erosion could erode as much as €800 billion from Europe’s economy by 2100 unless decisive measures are adopted.
The analysis, titled "How can we cope with coastal erosion?", shows that economic losses are already exceeding €1 billion per year across 28 European countries and are projected to climb dramatically if no actions are taken.
The report stresses that roughly 40 percent of Europe’s gross domestic product is generated in coastal regions, while about 80 percent of the continent’s low‑elevation shoreline is at risk of future erosion under current climate trajectories.
To stem the losses, the Council of Europe calls for a strategy of *planned retreat*, a policy that would ban new development near coastlines, establish no‑build and buffer zones, and relocate existing homes, businesses and infrastructure inland into more climate‑resilient locations.
France is cited as a prime example, with the report estimating that roughly 900 kilometres of mainland shoreline are already receding and that more than 500 municipalities are affected by erosion threats.
Venice, Italy, illustrates the high costs of defensive measures: constructing dikes would cost up to €4.5 billion, while a super levee would require an initial outlay exceeding €30 billion. The report notes that if sea‑level rise surpasses 4.5 metres after the year 2300, relocating the city and its historic landmarks could be necessary at a cost of up to €100 billion.
The study urges authorities to update risk maps, introduce and periodically review no‑build zones, and develop comprehensive adaptation plans that assess the legal, social, and financial consequences of varying options.
Deploying such measures early can save significant sums in the long term; the report argues that relocating coastal assets now would reduce long‑term economic losses and safeguard vital infrastructure.
Projections indicate that if sea‑level rise continues unchecked, the cumulative loss could reach €800 billion annually by the end of the century, a figure that the Council warns would erode the economic foundation of many European nations.
In conclusion, the Council of Europe’s findings underscore the urgency for rapid policy action: coordinated planning, legal frameworks, and investment in relocation and reinforcement are essential to protect Europe’s coastlines, economies, and communities from the escalating threat of erosion.
