EIOPA White Paper: Earth Observation for Flood Risk Management

EIOPA Publications

Published March 23rd, 2026

Detected March 26th, 2026

Summary

EIOPA and EUSPA have published a white paper detailing how Earth Observation data from the Copernicus programme can enhance flood assessment and risk management for insurers. The paper advocates for integrating this data into insurers' risk assessment practices and supervisory processes to improve disaster preparedness.

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What changed

This white paper, published by EIOPA and EUSPA, explores the application of Earth Observation (EO) data, particularly from the EU's Copernicus programme, to improve flood assessment and risk management within the insurance sector. It highlights how EO data can enable near-real-time mapping of flood extents, aiding insurers in estimating losses and impacts. The paper also notes the broader applicability of EO data for other natural risks like wildfires, earthquakes, and droughts.

The document makes a case for insurers to integrate EO data into their risk assessment practices and for supervisory authorities to incorporate it into their oversight processes. While this is a white paper and not a rule, it signals a direction for enhanced data utilization in catastrophe modeling and risk supervision, complementing EIOPA's existing work in this area.

What to do next

Review white paper for potential integration of Earth Observation data into risk assessment practices.
Assess current flood assessment capabilities against EO data potential.
Consider EO data applications for other natural risks mentioned in the paper.

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Details

Publication date 23 March 2026

Description

Satellite technology, in particular, advanced applications developed through the EU’s Copernicus programme, offers a transformational approach to managing environmental risks. By leveraging Earth Observation (EO) data – a field in which Europe is a global leader – insurance companies and supervisory authorities c an strengthen their risk management efforts and improve overall disaster preparedness.

A joint pilot undertaken by the EU Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) and the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA), has demonstrated that open-access spatial data provided through Copernicus services can significantly improve flood assessment capabilities. EO data from Copernicus allows for the near-real-time mapping of flood extents, which can be matched to regulatory reporting by insurers to estimate loss magnitudes and the potential impact on individual insurers.

The benefits extend beyond flood monitoring: Copernicus capabilities can track the expanse of wildfires, earthquakes, landslides and windstorms, while also facilitating drought assessment through vegetation indices as well as ecosystem service monitoring for nature-related risks. Such wide-ranging applications can contribute to addressing well-known challenges with data collection on multi-dimensional risks and support open access to actionable data.

This white paper makes a compelling case for the integration of Earth Observation data in insurers’ risk assessment practices and supervisory processes. The insights presented in this report complement EIOPA’s previous studies, tools and data, which it provides in its capacity as a centre of excellence for catastrophe modelling to enable European supervisors and insurers to effectively assess, monitor and supervise these catastrophe risks.

Files

23 MARCH 2026 EUSPA-EIOPA White Paper - Earth Observation and Copernicus applications in insurance.pdf English (4.38 MB - PDF) Download Share this page