Brussels: As Europe battles wildfires in multiple member states, the European Commission is swiftly providing aid through the European Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM). Over the weekend, both Portugal and France activated the UCPM in response to devastating wildfires, with several blazes burning simultaneously and consuming thousands of hectares.
According to Cyprus News Agency, France activated the UCPM on July 5th. The European Commission has mobilized four rescEU airplanes from Sweden and Cyprus, expected to arrive in the affected areas today. Portugal activated the Mechanism on July 3rd, with 118 firefighters and 45 vehicles from Spain arriving shortly after, alongside three rescEU firefighting aircraft from Italy and Spain.
This year, the Commission has deployed a record number of firefighters to combat wildfires. A total of 777 firefighters from 14 European countries are already or will soon be strategically positioned in high-risk areas across Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, and Portugal. Simultaneously, 22 firefighting airplanes and five helicopters from the EU fleet are ready to assist countries under pressure.
Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, stated: 'As Portugal and France face an extreme wildfire threat during this severe heatwave, every minute matters. I am proud to see the EU Civil Protection Mechanism once again delivering swift support when it is needed most. Firefighting aircraft, ground teams, and vehicles from Sweden, Cyprus, Italy, and Spain are already helping emergency crews on the ground. In the face of these devastating fires, Europe stands together. We are united in our determination to protect lives, communities, livelihoods, and our natural environment."
Through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, countries affected by wildfires can request operational assistance. The EU has also established rescEU, a strategic reserve of emergency capacities designed to provide additional support during large-scale crises. Recognizing the rising risks of wildfires with climate change, the Commission presented a new integrated approach to wildfire risk management in March 2026, which offers guidance on better prevention, preparation, response, and recovery from wildfires.