Two helicopters will soon arrive in Albania to support firefighting operations, one from the Czech Republic and one from the Netherlands. This is the help that comes to us from the European Union in the framework of the activation of the Brussels Civil Protection Mechanism.
As forest fires continue to plague various regions in the Mediterranean and the Western Balkans, the European Commission is rapidly mobilizing support to help countries reduce the spread of fires and protect lives and livelihoods.
2 firefighting planes from France are being sent to the affected areas in Italy to start firefighting operations today. 2 Cypriot firefighting aircraft are supporting Greece, at the head of a firefighting team to support field operations. In addition, Slovenia is sending a team of 45 firefighters to northern Macedonia.
All assistance is mobilized through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with co-financing from the Commission at least 75% of transport costs.
Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarcic said: “We are working all the time to send aid as fires are burning across Europe. I thank Cyprus, the Czech Republic, France, Slovenia and the Netherlands for rapidly deploying firefighting aircraft, helicopters and a team of firefighters to support “Countries most affected by forest fires. At this time while some Mediterranean countries are facing fires, the EU Civil Protection ensures that our firefighting vehicles in the country are used to their maximum capacity. “This is a great example of EU solidarity in times of need.”
“These deployments come in addition to the EU-coordinated firefighting operations that are currently underway in Turkey, as well as in Sardinia, Italy at the end of July. Satellite maps from the EU Copernicus Emergency Management satellite are providing further support to emergency services to coordinate operations. “The European Union Emergency Response Coordination Center 24/7 is in constant contact with the civil protection authorities of the countries affected by the fires to closely monitor the situation and channel EU assistance,” the European Union said in a statement. .
