C3S2_424 European reference framework for climate scenarios

The main objective of this Invitation to Tender (ITT) is to develop a European reference framework for climate scenarios to enhance consistency, comparability, and usability of climate risk information across Europe, addressing the current fragmentation of national and sectoral approaches. It proposes a common reference layer to support EU policy, adaptation planning, and cross-border decision-making, without replacing existing systems. The framework is conceived as a set of methodological principles, reference points, and guidance rather than a single dataset or scenario, helping users interpret and apply climate information in a coherent way. The work includes stakeholder engagement, a structured review of existing methods, gap analysis, definition of observational references, and the development of a robust and quality-assured framework. It will support users in selecting, combining, comparing, and communicating climate information for policy, regulatory, and investment purposes. A key principle is to promote harmonisation without homogenisation, preserving scientific diversity while enabling interoperability. Demonstrator datasets, communication activities, and implementation guidance will ensure the framework is practical, usable, and widely adopted across European and national stakeholders.