STORY
The European Union is keeping firefighting aircraft and personnel in reserve as France and Spain continue to tackle major wildfires. Tens of thousands of hectares have been affected during a period of extreme heat and dry weather.
Aircraft and helicopters from the EU civil protection mechanism have already been deployed to support national services. Additional planes, helicopters and firefighters remain available if further requests are made.
The EU is planning to establish a permanent firefighting fleet by 2028. Member states are also discussing additional climate resilience funding in the next long term EU budget.