Critical Entities Resilience Directive
The EU Directive on the resilience of critical entities establishes a harmonised framework to oversee the resilience of organisations who provide essential services across the European Union. The Directive recognises that (among other causes) extreme weather events and climate change are increasing in frequency and severity, posing significant risks to critical infrastructure and services. It requires an “all-hazards” approach to resilience, where natural hazards are fully addressed alongside other risks. The overarching goal is to ensure designated critical entities improve their resilience, thereby protecting vital societal functions and economic activities. For the aviation sector, this means climate change adaptation and weather resilience measures must be considered to safeguard Irish and European interests.
Under national regulations, the Irish Aviation Authority has been designated as competent authority for aviation entities and the Aviation Sustainability division is responsible for implementing and administering the CER obligations relating to climate / weather related resilience for critical aviation entities.
Further reading on Critical Entities Resilience:
- Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Regulations: https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-emergency-planning/organisation-information/critical-entities-resilience-cer-regulations/
- National Risk Assessment of Ireland 2023 (Updated 2026) https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/3d5fe2b9/DoD_NRA_2023_Updated_March_2026.pdf
- National Strategy on the Resilience of Critical Entities 2026-2029 https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/9222c1da/National-Strategy-on-the-Resilience-of-Critical-Entities-20262029.pdf
- EUROCONTROL European Aviation Climate Change Adaptation Working Group https://www.eurocontrol.int/publication/adapting-european-aviation-changing-climate-guidance-risk-assessment-and-adaptation