The European Union is leading a multinational firefighting campaign, mobilizing aircraft, helicopters, and ground forces from 37 countries to tackle wildfires in France and Spain. The effort highlights the strain of national capacities as the crisis expands. Coordination is being handled through Brussels' emergency hub, with attention now turning to Italy, Greece, and Portugal as rising heat creates new risks.
Resources are being gathered from EU and partner nations
France asked for EU support last week, sparking the arrival of water-dropping aircraft and helicopters from Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal, and Turkey. Extra support from Serbia was also confirmed. This pooling system pulls resources from the EU’s 27 member states and 10 partners, including the Western Balkans and Turkey, allowing for fast response during emergencies.
Maria Zuber, head of the EU emergency unit, said in a Euronews interview on Wednesday that the team is in regular contact with French officials to evaluate their needs. 'We need the right equipment in the right place, as soon as possible.'
EU is bracing for hotter weather and more blazes
Experts argue the current wildfire surge is part of a long-term trend linked to climate change. Shifts in rainfall over recent years have left vegetation dry and prone to catching fire. Scientists predict this dangerous cycle will continue.
In response, the EU has boosted its own fleet of firefighting planes and is encouraging member countries to make extra gear available. Throughout the summer, the Brussels emergency center operates non-stop, with about 25 fire and weather experts tracking how fires could spread and where new ones might begin. Borja Miguelez, the center’s deputy head, explained, 'We have improved the mechanisms over time because we've recognized the increasing challenge of forest fires.'
Demand is high, but the system continues to work
Despite the burden caused by fires in France and Spain, the EU has met all requests for aid so far. However, Miguelez warned that higher demand may come in the near future as more heat is expected. 'We are remaining very alert about what might lie ahead as well,' he said, stressing the importance of staying ready as the summer continues.