Initially, 556 firefighters from 12 countries will be stationed at key locations across Europe this summer, including France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain, to assist local fire brigades. This proactive step improves Europe's readiness to combat wildfires and minimize their destructive impact on lives, homes, and the environment, highlighting the EU's solidarity in addressing such crises.
Additionally, the EU has formed a dedicated rescEU fleet of firefighting aircraft for this summer, comprising 28 airplanes and 4 helicopters stationed in 10 Member States. This fleet includes:
- Four medium amphibious airplanes, two light planes, and one helicopter from Greece
- Two medium amphibious airplanes from Croatia
- Two medium amphibious airplanes and two light planes from Italy
- Two medium amphibious airplanes from Spain
- Four medium amphibious airplanes and one helicopter from France
- Four light planes from Sweden
- Two light planes from Portugal
- Two helicopters from Czechia
- Two light planes from Cyprus
- Two light planes from Germany
Furthermore, the Commission has earmarked €600 million to facilitate the future acquisition of 12 new firefighting planes, to be distributed among six EU Member States. Additionally, the EU will finance several helicopters in the future to reinforce the EU aerial firefighting fleet.
The deployment of firefighters and the acquisition of additional firefighting aircraft underscore the EU's dedication to enhancing its ability to respond effectively to wildfires, particularly during the upcoming summer months.
