Violent weather is becoming an increasing challenge for the European Union's crisis services. This year, the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism has already responded to extreme weather on 31 occasions. The biggest threat is climate-driven fires.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was established by the European Commission in 2001. Its task is to respond to natural disasters and catastrophes. In an emergency, any country can ask the EU for help.
The EU's Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated 31 times this year due to severe weather. That's more than in any other year so far, according to European Commission data made available to Reuters.
Most fires
The majority of EU services' operations this year have been focused on fires in Europe, with 19 interventions. Where has help been provided? Last month, firefighting planes were sent to Albania, Greece and the Portuguese island of Madeira. In July, they flew to Bulgaria and North Macedonia.
The fire season in Europe usually peaks between June and September, but climate change is causing dangerous conditions to persist for longer.
Fire in GreecePAP/EPA/VASSILIS PSOMAS
Challenges for EU services
The EU reserve fleet of 28 firefighting aircraft and four helicopters from member states has more than doubled since 2022, following devastating fires in southern Europe that depleted the existing complement of 13 firefighting units.
Before the start of this summer, 556 firefighters were stationed in various countries within the EU. In addition, Brussels has placed orders for the first firefighting planes belonging directly to the EU, which are due to appear in 2027.
Main image source: PAP/EPA/VASSILIS PSOMAS