The European Commission has launched a new integrated strategy to tackle the rising threat of wildfires, which are becoming larger, more frequent, and more destructive across the continent. The strategy takes a holistic approach, addressing prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery, and aims to enhance Europe’s resilience, protect citizens, safeguard infrastructure, and preserve cultural heritage. It aligns with the Preparedness Union Strategy and provides guidance for national and regional authorities on implementing effective wildfire risk management measures.
Wildfires in Europe are expected to worsen due to climate change and other factors, with 2025 marking the worst wildfire season on record, burning over one million hectares. The Commission emphasizes prevention through ecosystem-based measures, promoting fire-resilient landscapes and nature restoration. A guidance document on Natura 2000 and climate change was adopted to support structured climate adaptation for protected sites, promote resilient landscape planning, and provide emergency flexibilities for Member States to protect people and biodiversity. Updated risk assessment guidelines will also assist long-term planning.
Public awareness and citizen engagement are key components of the strategy. Surveys indicate that half of European citizens are concerned about wildfires, prompting the Commission to promote wildfire preparedness through educational training, youth programmes, volunteering, and a dedicated European Citizens Panel. Preparedness efforts include pre-positioning firefighters in high-risk areas, facilitating the exchange of firefighting expertise, and coordinating with wildfire-prone regions worldwide.
The Commission is expanding technical capabilities for wildfire management, including the European Forest Fire Information System supported by Copernicus satellites, standardised pan-European risk modelling, and AI-assisted wildfire decision-making tools. The rescEU firefighting fleet will grow with 12 new planes and 5 helicopters, with the first rescEU helicopter delivered to Romania in January 2026. A European firefighting hub will be established in Cyprus to serve as a regional centre for training, operational response, and capacity building.
Additional measures focus on health and recovery. The Commission will collect data on long-term health risks faced by firefighters and promote best practices for post-fire ecosystem restoration to increase climate resilience. These initiatives will be anchored through a proposed Council Recommendation on integrated wildfire risk management.
EU leaders highlight the urgency of the strategy. Executive Vice-Presidents Teresa Ribera and Roxana Mînzatu emphasized the importance of prevention, preparedness, and resilience to protect lives, ecosystems, and economies. Commissioners Hadja Lahbib and Jessika Roswall underlined the need for cross-border cooperation, resource sharing, and investment in fire-resilient landscapes to reduce economic and environmental damages.
The strategy builds on the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the rescEU strategic reserve, enhancing aerial firefighting and cross-border assistance. Implementation will involve collaboration with Member States, regions, civil protection authorities, land managers, and other stakeholders, with progress monitored and reported to EU institutions. Protecting and restoring healthy ecosystems is central to reducing wildfire risks while supporting biodiversity, community resilience, and economic stability.
