With the risk of fires increasing, the EU is deploying unprecedented forces through the Civil Protection Mechanism. To address increasingly early and destructive fire seasons, 777 firefighters from 14 countries will be pre-positioned in critical areas (Cyprus, Greece, Italy, France, Spain and Portugal): a real record since the launch of the programme in 2022.

Supporting the teams on the ground will be a strategic fleet of 22 aircraft and five helicopters. Operations will be supported around the clock by the EU Emergency Response Centre, which will use Copernicus satellite data and continuous forecasts for rapid and targeted coordination on the ground.

The big news of 2026 is the inauguration of a European regional fire station in Cyprus. In addition to hosting six aircraft, it will serve as a strategic hub for training and education in the Mediterranean.

Europe's commitment is not limited to operational emergencies to support individual states: by combining prevention, sustainable land management, and the strengthening of reserves like rescEU, Europe aims to build solid long-term resilience against increasingly intense disasters.

To read the European Commission press release and for further information, click on this link