Wildfires in France and Spain: the EPP calls for a European prevention plan and the strengthening of RescEU

Brussels – Wildfires in France and Spain continue to be a cause for serious concern. For this reason, the Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Fisheries, Carmen Crespo (EPP), together with the Secretary-General of the European People’s Party, Dolors Montserrat, has called on the European Commission to draw up a “European plan for the prevention of major fires,” accompanied by a strengthening of RescEU, the European Civil Protection Strategic Reserve, which has a fleet of 22 aircraft and five helicopters. 

“No country should ever have to face a disaster of this scale on its own,” said Hadja Lahbib, the European Commissioner for Crisis Management, the day after the fires broke out, pointing out that “Europe has established a joint response capability.” RescEU, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) have already been activated. The Commission has also announced that the Copernicus satellite service, the European Earth Observation Programme, is providing “real-time emergency maps” to support operations on the ground. At the same time, the ERCC remains in constant contact with the French and Spanish authorities to assess whether further resources need to be mobilised.

Apart from the messages of solidarity expressed by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, Brussels has not yet indicated whether it intends to put forward a specific European strategy for the prevention of major wildfires. On X, the President has reiterated the Union’s support for the affected countries: “
As the fires in France and Spain continue to ravage, European solidarity knows no limit.

 Romania and Greece have decided to extend their missions, continuing to support the affected regions. And from Saturday, Poland will also join the fray. Thank you for your courage and commitment.” 

It now remains to be seen whether the European Commission will take up the request put forward by Carmen Crespo and Dolors Montserrat, both members of the European People’s Party, the same political family of President von der Leyen, and turn it into a legislative initiative or a European strategy dedicated to the prevention of major fires.