Severe wildfires are raging across Europe, but our continent is standing together. France and Spain are particularly hard hit at the moment, and Italy, Portugal, Greece and Turkey are also affected. Numerous European partners are providing support – a tangible sign of solidarity in action in the European Union and beyond.

Germany is also playing an active role with the Bundeswehr deploying firefighting helicopters to France. In addition, firefighters from North Rhine-Westphalia are on their way to Spain. Other European countries are also providing support with aerial firefighters, helicopters and specialised response teams. Germany was actively involved in fighting wildfires in Europe also last year.

How the EU coordinates this assistance

The EU civil protection mechanism serves as the central framework for the provision of joint assistance. Affected countries can request assistance quickly and without red tape via this mechanism. Offers of assistance from participating countries are consolidated and swiftly coordinated so that emergency responders and equipment can be deployed in a targeted manner where they are most urgently needed. Since its introduction in 2001, the EU civil protection mechanism has been activated on more than 800 occasions.

To combat wildfires, the European Union has also established its own pool of firefighting aircraft and helicopters in the form of rescEU (https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/resceu_en), which can be mobilised at short notice.

How human-induced climate change increases the risk of wildfires

The fact that wildfires are occurring more frequently and with greater intensity is closely linked to accelerating climate change. Europe is currently the continent that is warming the fastest. Higher temperatures and longer dry spells are significantly exacerbating the spread of fires.

Germany and northern Europe are also increasingly affected. Even in the Nordic countries and the Baltic states, unusually long dry spells and rising temperatures are making forests more vulnerable to fires. Regions that were previously considered to be at relatively low risk are now facing large-scale forest and peatland fires more frequently – with significant impacts on ecosystems, air quality and infrastructure.

The European Union is also addressing these developments with ambitious climate targets. With the European Climate Law, the EU has committed to becoming climate-neutral by 2050 and to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These targets are essential for limiting the long-term impacts of climate change.

Prevention is key

In addition to international cooperation and addressing structural causes, the behaviour of each individual continues to be crucial. According to European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, human error and negligence triggers wildfires in more than 95 percent of cases. Common causes include unattended campfires, discarded cigarettes and embers that have not been fully extinguished.

The European Union is strengthening wildfire prevention measures. Promoting climate-resilient mixed forests can increase the resilience of nature to heat and drought, thereby at least slowing down the spread of fires. The rewetting of peatlands likewise plays an important role. Intact peatlands store water, have a cooling effect on their surroundings and significantly reduce the risk of peat fires.

With the EU Council’s recommendation on integrated wildfire risk management and the European Commission’s new guidelines, prevention, resilience and recovery are being even more closely dovetailed.

Many European countries are investing in early-warning systems, improved forest management, firebreaks and public awareness campaigns. As things stand, we can expect to face severe wildfires in Europe also in the future. These measures help to identify risks early on and to limit damage. Europe is demonstrating that, with effective preparedness, resolute climate action and a strong, coordinated crisis response, we can better protect ourselves from wildfires and their devastating impacts.