Brussels, March 25, (dpa/GNA) – The European Commission on Wednesday, urged capitals to better prepare for the growing threat of wildfires in the European Union, including by focusing on nature preservation to prevent large-scale fires.
“Wildfires are becoming more ferocious and more destructive across Europe, with catastrophic consequences for our lives, environment and economies,” said EU Environment Commissioner Jessika Roswall.
According to EU data, 2025 was the worst fire season since records began, with over 1 million hectares burnt.
Wildfires are exacerbated by climate change which leads to longer, hotter and drier summers in the EU, the commission said.
In a new strategy presented, the commission counts nature preservation as a prevention measure.
“By investing in prevention, restoring nature and creating fire-resilient landscapes, we can avoid economic damage worth billions of euros,” Roswall said.
Healthy ecosystems can limit the spread of a fire and more fire-resilient vegetation can mitigate the risk and impact of wildfires, the commission said.
In addition, the commission proposed several initiatives to increase awareness of fire risks, including training teachers to better inform young people.
The commission will also continue to financially support the temporary relocation of firefighters during fire season to high-risk areas within the EU, so they are better equipped should a fire break out.
GNA