
Brussels – The European Union is increasingly investing funds to mitigate wildfires, yet the effectiveness of these expenditures is questionable due to insufficient targeting and evaluation, as highlighted in a report by the European Court of Auditors released on Wednesday.
The Court notes that the EU has allocated at least 3.5 billion euros for wildfire prevention from 2021 to 2027.
There is a growing focus on preventive strategies, including the establishment of firebreaks and thinning of vegetation.
However, the Court criticizes that this funding is “not systematically allocated where the risks and needs are greatest.”
Particularly concerning is the outdated information submitted by some member states.
For instance, Greece’s list of the most fire-prone regions, which is 45 years old, remained unupdated as of 2024. In Portugal, a location was identified as a priority for European funding despite being partially submerged since a dam was constructed several years ago. (June 11, 2025)













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