The European Commission proposed this Wednesday the reinforcement of 170 million euros in the 2023 budget of the European Union (EU) to combat forest fires, which registered record figures this year. According to data from the community executive, until October 1, the area burned increased by 30% compared to 2017 (previous maximum) and 170% since the beginning of records at European level, in 2006.
With the €170 million budget, the EU’s transition fleet will increase to a total of 22 aircraft, four helicopters, as well as more pre-positioned ground crews. Starting in 2025, the fleet would be further strengthened through an accelerated acquisition of aircraft and helicopters.
This year, the mechanism’s firefighting fleet included 12 planes and one helicopter made available to member states by Croatia, Spain, France, Greece and Italy.
In 2022, the Emergency Response Coordination Center (CCRE) received 11 requests for assistance in forest fires, mobilizing 33 firefighting planes and eight helicopters through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (rescUE), to which 350 firefighters joined.
The CERE is at the heart of rescUE, coordinating the delivery of assistance to countries affected by disasters, such as relief items, expertise, civil protection teams and specialized equipment.
The center ensures the rapid deployment of emergency support and serves as a coordination platform between all EU member states, the other seven participating states, the affected country, and humanitarian and civil protection experts.
Source: Observadora
