In response to urgent requests for assistance in their fight against severe wildfires received from North Macedonia and Bulgaria, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated.
North Macedonia is receiving 1 helicopter from Serbia, 2 helicopters from Slovenia, 2 aircrafts and 1 helicopter from Türkiye, and 1 aircraft from the rescEU firefighting fleet from Croatia.
Bulgaria is also receiving 2 helicopters from Czechia, one of them from the rescEU firefighting fleet.
Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, emphasised the importance of solidarity in these efforts: “The EU stands united in its support. Our rapid response through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is crucial in aiding local efforts against these devastating wildfires. We remain ready to provide additional support if needed. Wildfires know no borders, and neither does our commitment to help.”
The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre continues to closely monitor the situation, ensuring that further assistance can be swiftly deployed if required.
The Commission has put together a fleet of aircraft and pre-positioned firefighters this summer across Europe. 556 firefighters from 12 countries are strategically prepositioned across key locations in Europe this summer, such as France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain, ready to help local fire brigades.
The EU has assembled a dedicated rescEU fleet of firefighting aircraft for this summer, consisting of 28 airplanes and 4 helicopters stationed in 10 Member States.