It is estimated that about 44,000 lives are lost each year in Europe due to high temperatures.

Omissions

• The most recent data available before the session (Lancet Countdown 2026 Europe report) estimates ~62,000 heat-attributable deaths in Europe in 2024, roughly 40% higher than the 44,000 claimed; the claimed figure reflects a long-term average from earlier studies rather than the most recent annual estimate.
• Annual figures fluctuate considerably: ~61,672 in 2022 (Ballester et al.), ~47,690 in 2023, ~62,000 in 2024 — so 'each year' figures vary widely depending on the reference period.
• The figures refer to Europe broadly (typically the WHO European Region, 53 countries); an EU-only figure may differ from the 'Europe' figures used.
• The exact publication date of the 2026 Lancet Countdown Europe report could not be confirmed; if it was released after 2026-07-08 the MEP could not have known it, though the Lancet Countdown Europe reports are normally released in spring of each year.
• The Lancet Countdown 2025 global report (Oct 2025) cites ~546,000 heat-related deaths per year globally, a broader scope than this claim.

Sources

• PrimaryLancet Countdown — 2026 Europe ReportNearly all parts of the continent (99.6% of sub-country regions) are seeing rising heat-attributable deaths – reaching an estimated 62,000 deaths in 2024.
• PrimaryThe Lancet Public Health — The 2026 Europe report of the Lancet CountdownHeat-related mortality is estimated to have increased in 820 (99·6%) of the 823 monitored regions in 2015–24, with an overall mean increase of ...
• SecondaryThe GuardianToday, heat-related deaths in Europe stand at 44,000. But the yearly death toll from cold and heat in Europe may rise from 407,000 people today to 450,000 by the end of the century.
• Secondaryheathealth.info (Climate Central Heat Health portal)Previous studies have estimated that about 44,000 people die from heat in Europe each year, averaged over the past few decades.