Athens, Greece - As wildfires continue to rage across parts of Greece, the European Union has stepped up its support, mobilizing a significant aerial firefighting force through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The devastating fires, fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions, have ravaged vast areas of woodland and forced evacuations in several regions. In response to Greece's call for assistance, the EU has swiftly deployed:
- Firefighting aircraft from Croatia, Cyprus, France, and Italy.
- Helicopters equipped for aerial firefighting operations from Slovenia and Slovakia.
These resources are working alongside Greek firefighters on the ground, battling to contain the blazes and protect lives and property.
"The European Union stands in full solidarity with Greece during this challenging time," said a spokesperson for the European Commission. "We are committed to providing all necessary support to help Greece overcome these devastating wildfires."
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism is a vital instrument for coordinating disaster relief efforts within the European Union. It allows for the rapid mobilization of resources and expertise from across the bloc to assist countries facing emergencies. The deployment of firefighting aircraft and helicopters to Greece is a testament to the mechanism's effectiveness and the spirit of solidarity that underpins the European Union.