EU aid sought by Greece to combat persistent forest fires - EU assistance sought by Greece to combat rampant forest fires
Greece is currently battling a series of forest fires that have been ongoing since last week, with investigations suggesting that arson may be a factor in some cases. The country has been experiencing strong winds exceeding 80 kilometers per hour, making the fires particularly challenging to contain.
In response to the crisis, the European Union (EU) has mobilized resources through the activation of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This mechanism coordinates international support, including aerial firefighting assets and firefighters from multiple EU countries. Since Greece activated this mechanism on August 12, 2025, two Swedish rescEU helicopters currently in Bulgaria were expected to be deployed to Greece. Prepositioned firefighters from Czechia, Moldova, and Romania have also joined the efforts.
The EU's assistance extends beyond Greece, as rescEU planes and helicopters from various member states have been mobilized to tackle simultaneous wildfires across Europe. Greece has benefited from these shared resources in its fight against the forest fires. The Copernicus satellite system was also activated to assist in monitoring and managing the fires in Greece.
The support from the EU is part of a broader European solidarity response to an extreme wildfire season exacerbated by a heatwave. The assistance includes firefighting personnel, aerial intervention, coordination of international aid, and satellite surveillance to inform response efforts.
The forest fires in Greece are currently ongoing, with multiple regions affected. The situation remains fluid, and the Greek authorities continue to work tirelessly to contain the blazes and protect citizens and the environment. As the fires continue to rage, the international community stands ready to offer its support and solidarity to Greece in this challenging time.
References:
- EU responds to Greece's call for help amid forest fires
- EU activates Civil Protection Mechanism to aid Greece in fighting forest fires
- Greece battles forest fires amid heatwave, EU offers assistance
- Swedish rescEU helicopters to be deployed to Greece to aid in forest firefighting efforts
- EU mobilizes resources to combat forest fires in Greece and across Europe
The EU's employment policy, in the form of the activation of the Civil Protection Mechanism, has mobilized international resources to aid Greece in combating its ongoing forest fires. This policy has facilitated the deployment of aerial firefighting assets and firefighters from multiple European countries, including two Swedish rescEU helicopters and prepositioned firefighters from Czechia, Moldova, and Romania.
The support from the EU extends not only to Greece but also to other countries facing simultaneous wildfires across Europe, reflecting a commitment to environmental-science-based policies in addressing climate-change issues.
In the broader political context, the EU's assistance to Greece in this crisis mirrors the need for collective action and global solidarity in facing extreme weather events, a topic of general-news interest worldwide.
