EU urges members to invest more in environmental prevention against wildfires

The European Union is calling on its member states to bolster investments in environmental prevention strategies to combat the escalating threat of wildfires. European Commissioner for the Environment Jessika Roswall highlighted the need for increased funding, stating that "prevention is the first line of defense. Clearly, we must invest more in nature."

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Prevention is the first line of defense. Clearly, we must invest more in nature.

Massive wildfires in France, Spain, and Greece have caused significant damage, estimated between 15.6 and 19.1 billion euros. While scientists confirm that human-caused climate change exacerbates extreme weather events, the speed and severity of these fires have also raised questions about public policies concerning forest management, the removal of flammable vegetation, and the maintenance of wetlands as natural firebreaks.

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no region of Europe is spared now and the need for investment is truly urgent

Roswall emphasized that "no region of Europe is spared now and the need for investment is truly urgent," noting that the risk is expanding beyond Mediterranean countries to northern nations like Finland and Sweden. She assured that Brussels will monitor how member states allocate funds, ensuring they are used for wildfire prevention and protection, not just carbon reduction projects. "It is important to ensure that member states also use these funds to fight forest fires. This financing will be essential to respond to forest fires, prevent them and invest in nature," she said.

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It is important to ensure that member states also use these funds to fight forest fires. This financing will be essential to respond to forest fires, prevent them and invest in nature.

The Commissioner also indicated that the EU will examine how wildfire prevention aligns with national plans for restoring damaged nature, which countries must submit by September. "This is not a luxury, because the costs, if we don't do it, are constantly increasing," Roswall added. "I am working with member states and ministers on the urgent need to invest, not only to protect our homes and save lives, but also to protect our industries."

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This is not a luxury, because the costs, if we don't do it, are constantly increasing. I am working with member states and ministers on the urgent need to invest, not only to protect our homes and save lives, but also to protect our industries.