The EU Deploys Firefighting Teams and Aircraft to Assist Countries like Greece

The EU is gearing up for a heightened risk of wildfires this summer. The Commission has announced the mobilization of firefighting teams and aircraft to support European nations potentially impacted by wildfires this year.

During July and August, nearly 650 firefighters from 14 European countries will be dispatched to critical high-risk areas in France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain.

In addition, 22 firefighting aircraft and 4 helicopters will be available across 10 member states for emergency interventions. These resources, coordinated and co-funded through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, aim to reduce risks and enhance crisis response capabilities, supplementing national resources.

Specifically, Greece will receive four medium amphibious aircraft and Cyprus will be allocated two light aircraft. France will have four medium amphibious aircraft and one helicopter at its disposal, while Croatia, Italy, and Spain will each have two medium amphibious aircraft. Sweden will benefit from four light aircraft, Portugal from two, and the Czech Republic and Slovakia will receive two helicopters and one helicopter, respectively.

Additionally, 19 ground firefighting teams, each comprising around 30 firefighters, along with one expert team, are on standby for mobilization by the EU in collaboration with member and participating states through the Mechanism.

A dedicated wildfire support team will be set up at the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre, which will operate around the clock to monitor risks and assess scientific data.

The Commission highlights, “This proactive approach underscores the EU’s commitment to anticipating disasters, particularly those worsened by climate change, and to uniting efforts to safeguard lives, property, and the environment.”

It is also important to note that any nation affected by wildfires can seek help via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Once activated, the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre, functioning 24/7, organizes and co-finances aid, which is voluntarily provided by EU member states and ten additional UCPM participants (Iceland, Norway, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Albania, Moldova, and Ukraine).

Should an emergency arise that necessitates further rescue assistance, the EU’s strategic reserve, rescEU, is poised to deploy additional resources for disaster response in Europe.