In a written answer on 14 July 2026, Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič (on behalf of the Commission) outlined a significant increase in EU resources for wildfire prevention, detection and response, including a proposed €10.7 billion budget for the new Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Health Emergency Response instrument under the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The answer, responding to a question from EPP MEP Dimitris Tsiodras, also noted that €3.1 billion is already available under cohesion funds for prevention and preparedness, notably forest fires, in the current MFF. The Commission confirmed that resilience to climate change and wildfire management may remain a priority in Horizon Europe under the next MFF, building on a cluster of five research projects on integrated wildfire risk management. The answer provides concrete figures and references to existing instruments, but lacks specific new numerical targets or deadlines for future action. The Commission points to the March 2026 communication on integrated wildfire risk management as a policy framework, and highlights the RESTORE regulation, which has mobilised over €1.8 billion for reconstruction after natural disasters, including €93 million for climate risk prevention. The EU Solidarity Fund provided €2.3 million to Cyprus after the 2025 wildfires. The answer signals continued support for AI-based early warning systems through Horizon Europe's Civil Security for Society work programme. Institutional follow-up is expected as the new MFF and related legislative proposals are debated by the European Parliament and Council.
Source✉ Open answer ↗
Asked byDimitris Tsiodras (PPE)