Brussels : Preliminary data from several Western European countries have recorded more than 4,000 excess deaths during the late June heatwave that swept across Europe, according to preliminary data, after record temperatures placed heavy strain on healthcare systems, as governments began taking steps to strengthen preparedness for future heatwaves.
The French Republic recorded 2,025 excess deaths during the week beginning 22 June, an increase of around 30% compared with normal levels, during the peak of the country’s heatwave.
In the Kingdom of Belgium, deaths rose by 39% between 18 and 29 June, equivalent to 1,222 excess deaths. Authorities said this marked the highest daily mortality rate since the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic.
In the Kingdom of the Netherlands, about 480 excess deaths were recorded between 22 and 28 June, with the greatest impact among people aged 80 and over, as temperatures approached 40C.
In the Kingdom of Spain, the Carlos III Health Institute reported 1,028 heat-related deaths, more than double the 407 deaths recorded during June 2025.
Health authorities in the affected countries said the figures remain preliminary, while France’s public health agency warned that the final death toll could be higher than the current figures.
With further heatwaves expected, European governments are stepping up preparedness and response plans. In Belgium, Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke tasked the Risk Management Group with preparing recommendations to improve the country’s readiness for future heatwaves. In France, the government faced criticism from opposition parties over its handling of the crisis, with the Greens submitting a motion of no confidence against Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s government, accusing it of inadequate preparation for rising temperatures.
