EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib addressed the European Parliament on the escalating risks from wildfires and droughts across Europe. She underscored the urgent challenges posed by record heat and extensive fires in multiple member states including Greece, France, Germany, and Türkiye.
Enhanced EU Coordination on Wildfire Response
Lahbib detailed the EU's enhanced emergency mechanisms, highlighting the role of the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and the strategic reserve rescEU — comprising 22 firefighting planes and 4 helicopters — stationed in ten countries. The budget includes increased deployment of firefighters, rising from 236 in 2022 to 650 in 2025, pre-positioned in high-risk regions. This reflects a significant push towards deeper EU integration by strengthening collective crisis management capabilities, contrasting with traditional reliance on national sovereignty in emergency responses.
Investment in Prevention and Climate Adaptation
She pointed to an €18.8 billion investment within the 2021-2027 Cohesion Policy, of which €3.3 billion is earmarked for forestry, advocating for sustained and bold funding to proactively address root causes of wildfires—climate change, drought, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss. The announcement signals a shift toward increased regulatory and financial intervention at the EU level, prioritizing environmental protection and resilience.
Stakeholder Impacts
National authorities stand to benefit from coordinated assistance and resource sharing, while EU producers in the forestry and agriculture sectors may face additional regulations. Consumers could gain from reduced wildfire risks and improved environmental quality but might also see indirect impacts of increased public spending. NGOs and civil society are likely to welcome enhanced prevention and solidarity mechanisms.
The proposal blends concrete operational measures with calls for greater solidarity and investment, pushing the EU towards deeper cooperation and preemptive climate action, balancing national leadership with collective EU oversight.