RA VI Working Group on Services and Applications Meeting - Highlights
The RA VI Working Group on Services and Applications held a meeting on January 20, 2025, to discuss key regional priorities and initiatives. The Meeting opened with highlights of the RA VI-19 session with key resolutions on RA VI Mechanisms and "Early Warning for All" initiative, which has become a central point for shaping regional priorities.
The Group addressed recent changes in leadership and structure, including the formation of a Multi-Sector Services Team and improved coordination with ECMWF to enhance forecasting capabilities through a Coordination Team on Forecasting.
Updates were shared on the progress of the European State of Climate Report, with a planned launch in April 2025, and ongoing efforts to strengthen disaster risk reduction activities in the region. Additionally, discussions covered the need for improved climate services in developing countries and explored the establishment of a Regional Climate Outlook Forum (RCOF) in areas with gaps in climate forecasting services.
Looking ahead, the group is planning an RCC workshop in Lisbon in April 2024 to expand services, strengthen research-to-operations linkages, and discuss the role of national climate forums. The meeting concluded with an emphasis on leadership transitions, as current Chair Stefan Rösner is set to retire in June, and members were encouraged to consider taking on key leadership roles.