Droughts in Europe are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, with the 2022 drought surpassing previous records and causing widespread socio-economic impacts. Using a Europe-wide survey (n = 481 across 30 countries) combined with hydroclimatic data (i.e., Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index; SPEI), we quantify how forecasting systems and Drought Management Plans (DMPs) affected response timing and perceived effectiveness. It specifically assesses the role of forecasting systems and Drought Management Plans (DMPs) in improving preparedness and in facilitating more effective and timely responses. Our findings show that organisations with forecasting systems or DMPs in place implemented drought response measures on average two and one months earlier respectively than those without, and rated their effectiveness higher. Additionally, the study investigates how drought management practices and awareness have evolved as a consequence of the 2018 European drought and how recent experiences shape water managers' perceptions, with 35 % of the respondents indicating introducing or updating their DMPs after the 2018 drought. The findings emphasize the necessity of a standardized, continent-wide drought risk management coordination to address the multifaceted nature of drought risk by integrating climatic and societal factors, and advocates for a Drought Directive as a means to achieve this. This research aims to inform policy development towards sustainable and holistic drought risk management, highlighting the crucial roles of preparedness, awareness, and adaptive strategies in mitigating future drought impacts.

This study and its companion paper The 2022 drought needs to be a turning point for European drought risk management are the result of a study carried out by the Drought in the Anthropocene (DitA) network, an IAHS initiative.