The European Commission has mobilised emergency assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) as major wildfires continue to affect several Member States, with France and Portugal requesting support following multiple large-scale incidents.
France activated the UCPM on 5 July after a series of devastating wildfires broke out across the country. In response, the European Commission has deployed four rescEU firefighting aircraft from Sweden and Cyprus, which are expected to arrive in the affected areas today.
Portugal activated the Mechanism on 3 July. Within hours of the request, 118 firefighters and 45 vehicles from Spain were deployed to support operations.
In addition, three rescEU firefighting aircraft from Italy and Spain have been mobilised to assist with the ongoing response.
Record wildfire resources deployed
The Commission said it has deployed a record number of firefighters this year to strengthen Europe’s preparedness for the wildfire season.
A total of 777 firefighters from 14 European countries have already been, or are soon to be, strategically pre-positioned in high-risk locations across Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal.
Alongside these personnel, the EU’s rescEU fleet has 22 firefighting aircraft and five helicopters on standby to provide rapid assistance to countries facing significant wildfire pressure.
Strengthening Europe’s wildfire resilience
Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Member States affected by wildfires can request operational support from participating countries.
The rescEU reserve provides additional emergency response capabilities during large-scale crises when national resources become overwhelmed.
Recognising the increasing wildfire risk associated with climate change, the European Commission presented a new integrated approach to wildfire risk management in March 2026.
The strategy provides guidance to Member States on improving wildfire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.
Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: “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.”
