Wildfires: EU Provides Assistance To The Mediterranean Region, Including Firefighting Aircraft

European Commission DG ECHO, CC BY-SA 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

As wildfires spread rapidly in several countries, the EU has stepped up its efforts to support firefighting and aid affected communities. Since 18 July, the EU has deployed over 490 firefighters and 9 planes to Greece and Tunisia.

Greece and Tunisia activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and the EU responded promptly. A coalition of 10 countries, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, France, Italy, Malta, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and Serbia, is actively contributing to the firefighting response in Greece. The total deployment consists of more than 490 firefighters and 7 planes strategically dispatched to various regions within the country. To ensure smooth coordination of operations in Greece, an EU Liaison Officer is providing support.

Additionally, the EU's Copernicus satellite mapping system offers damage assessment for several areas in the Attica region and Rhodes, aiding in understanding the extent of the wildfires' impact.

Meanwhile, in northwest Tunisia, 2 Canadairs from the rescue reserve hosted by Spain are also being deployed to combat the wildfires.

These wildfires are fueled by dry weather conditions and high temperatures, posing a severe threat to lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems across the Mediterranean region. Through its swift and substantial response, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism again demonstrates its pivotal role as an instrument of solidarity and cooperation among EU Member States and beyond during emergencies.

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