EC REPRESENTATIONS - Wildfires: EU provides crucial assistance to the Mediterranean region

Effective wildfire prevention, preparedness, and response saved lives and the environment. The EU's coordinated approach aided overwhelmed countries through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The European Civil Protection Pool and rescEU firefighting reserve ensured a collective response. Monitoring and satellite services supported firefighting efforts.

date: 02/08/2023

The EU promptly supported firefighting efforts in Greece and Tunisia with 490 firefighters and 9 planes deployed since July 18. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated by Greece and Tunisia, initiating a swift response:

Ten countries - Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia - contributed to firefighting in Greece. Over 490 firefighters and 7 planes were deployed, assisted by an EU Liaison Officer and Copernicus satellite mapping for damage assessment.

Two Canadair planes from Spain's rescEU reserve were dispatched to northwest Tunisia.

Dry conditions exacerbated wildfires, endangering lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems across the Mediterranean. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism demonstrated solidarity during emergencies.

The rescEU fleet, featuring amphibious and lighter aircraft, complemented the EU Civil Protection Pool.

The Emergency Response Coordination Centre, strengthened for wildfires, anticipated and coordinated responses. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated by Member States for assistance.