The EU Commission is sending emergency support to Greece and Albania to help combat severe wildfires. The support for Greece includes aerial and ground firefighting resources provided by other European countries under the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism. This aid includes rescEU firefighting planes from Italy, a helicopter from France, and additional firefighting teams from the Czech Republic, France, Italy, Romania, and Serbia. Albania will receive a multipurpose military plane from Romania capable of carrying up to 6 tonnes of water. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism plays a vital role in disaster response in Europe, and the European Commission has committed €600 million to increase its aerial firefighting capacity with the purchase of twelve new planes for six EU member states. European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič noted that this strengthened capacity will help protect citizens not just in Croatia and Greece but across Europe.
Greece has been dealing with a significant wildfire that started in the northeast of Athens, spreading across Mount Pendeli and into the capital’s northern and northeastern suburbs. One person has died, and over a dozen people have been injured as firefighters faced challenges controlling the flames due to strong winds. Despite the fire no longer having active advancing fronts, firefighters are focusing on extinguishing flames in numerous slow-burning areas. In Albania, civil emergency services are fighting fires in and around the village of Mesopotam, with two families already evacuated. Wildfires are a common occurrence in the Western Balkan country during summers, but authorities assert that climate change is amplifying the size and frequency of these blazes.
The EU’s support for Greece and Albania underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating wildfires that threaten communities and natural landscapes. The EU’s commitment to enhancing aerial firefighting capacity and providing resources to affected countries is a proactive measure to mitigate the destructive impact of wildfires across Europe. With the EU Civil Protection Mechanism serving as a crucial tool for disaster response, countries can request support from other European nations to address emergencies like wildfires. The current deployment of firefighting resources from various EU countries demonstrates solidarity and collective action in times of crisis, emphasizing the need for a coordinated effort to effectively manage wildfires and protect lives and property.
The European Commissioner for Crisis Management’s announcement of the acquisition of additional firefighting aircraft reflects the EU’s recognition of the escalating threat posed by wildfires in the region. By investing in aerial firefighting capabilities and ensuring rapid response to wildfires, the EU aims to minimize the devastation caused by these natural disasters. The agreement between the Croatian government and the Canadian Commercial Corporation to procure specialized firefighting aircraft highlights the international partnerships established to strengthen firefighting efforts in Europe. As climate change continues to contribute to more intense and frequent wildfires, the EU’s proactive measures, such as the purchase of new planes and the injection of funds into the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, demonstrate a commitment to enhancing disaster preparedness and response capabilities across the continent.
As wildfires continue to ravage parts of Greece and Albania, the collaboration between EU member states and partner countries showcases the importance of solidarity and mutual assistance in times of crisis. The deployment of firefighting resources from Italy, France, Romania, and Serbia to support Greece and Albania underscores the interconnectedness of European nations in addressing natural disasters. The efforts of emergency services in Greece and Albania to contain the wildfires and protect communities reflect the dedication and resilience of first responders faced with challenging conditions. As authorities grapple with the impact of climate change on the frequency and intensity of wildfires, the commitment to strengthening firefighting capacity and enhancing disaster response mechanisms is essential in safeguarding lives and safeguarding the environment from the destructive effects of wildfires. The EU’s support for Greece and Albania sends a clear message of solidarity and assistance to countries facing wildfire emergencies, emphasizing the collective responsibility to address the growing threat of natural disasters in Europe.
