The EU organizes firefighting teams and a fleet of aircraft to support countries such as Greece

The EU is preparing for the increased risk of wildfires during the upcoming summer months. As announced by the Commission, the EU has already assembled teams of firefighters and aircraft to assist European countries that may be affected by wildfires this year.

Specifically, during July and August, nearly 650 firefighters from 14 European countries will be strategically deployed to key high-risk locations in France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain.

Additionally, 22 firefighting aircraft and 4 helicopters will be stationed in 10 member states to intervene in case of emergency. Coordinated and co-funded through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, these resources will help mitigate risks and enable a faster and stronger crisis response. These assets are in addition to national capabilities.

In particular, four medium amphibious aircraft will be allocated to Greece and two light aircraft to Cyprus. Four medium amphibious aircraft and one helicopter will be allocated to France, while Croatia, Italy, and Spain will each receive two medium amphibious aircraft, and Sweden will be supported by four light aircraft, Portugal by two, the Czech Republic by two helicopters, and Slovakia by one helicopter.

Furthermore, 19 ground firefighting teams, each consisting of about 30 firefighters, and one team of experts are ready to be mobilized by the EU in close cooperation with member states and participating states through the Mechanism.

A special wildfire support team will be established at the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which will operate 24/7, to monitor risks and analyze scientific data.

“This proactive approach reaffirms the EU’s commitment to staying one step ahead of disasters, including those exacerbated by climate change, and to joining forces to protect lives, homes, and the environment,” emphasizes the Commission.

It is noted that any country in the world affected by wildfires can request assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Once activated, the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which operates 24/7, coordinates and co-funds the provision of assistance, which is offered voluntarily by EU member states and ten additional states participating in the UCPM (Iceland, Norway, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine).

In the event of an emergency requiring additional rescue assistance, the EU’s strategic reserve, rescEU, can intervene to provide additional resources for disaster response in Europe. (27/5/25)