Commissioner Lahbib tours Greece, focusing on wildfire prevention strategies, readiness, and response plans
In Athens, Greece, from today until tomorrow, Commissioner Ylva Johansson Hadja Lahbib is on a visit to discuss the EU's civil protection collaboration and wildfire management efforts with Greek officials.
Commissioner Lahbib will meet with the Prime Minister of the Hellenic Republic, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, tomorrow. The Prime Minister has been instrumental in Greece's proactive approach towards addressing the challenges posed by wildfires.
During her visit, Commissioner Lahbib will also pay a visit to the Greek Coordination Centre for Operations and Crisis Management. This centre plays a crucial role in coordinating the country's response to emergencies, including wildfires.
The Commissioner will participate in a ceremony to mark the handover of approximately 100 firefighting vehicles to Greece, funded partly by the EU. These vehicles are a vital addition to Greece's wildfire management capabilities.
Commissioner Lahbib will also meet with the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Ioannis Kefalogiannis, and the Chair of the Committee on European affairs of the Hellenic Parliament, Giannis Plakiotakis. During these meetings, she will discuss the serious approach Greece has taken towards wildfire management and express optimism about the continued cooperation between the EU and Greece in the future.
The EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been active in facilitating international assistance for wildfire management during the current season. Greece has been proactive in responding to requests for firefighting assistance within the Mechanism, providing assistance to Albania and North Macedonia during the current wildfire season.
Commissioner Lahbib will meet Czech firefighters pre-positioned in Greece this summer. These firefighters are part of the teams deployed within the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The Commissioner will also visit a Greek national airbase hosting two airplanes from the EU's joint firefighting fleet, rescEU.
The rescEU airplanes have been instrumental in providing assistance during the wildfire season. In fact, both instances of assistance involved the use of these aircraft, hosted in Greece.
Commissioner Lahbib underscores the importance of collaboration among EU member states to prepare and equip responses to emergencies, including wildfires. She acknowledges the strength of the EU's civil protection collaboration and expresses satisfaction with the way it has facilitated international assistance for wildfire management during the current season.
The increasing unpredictability of wildfire seasons in Europe necessitates a strong and coordinated response. Commissioner Lahbib's visit to Greece is an important step in strengthening this response and ensuring that the EU is prepared to face the challenges posed by wildfires.
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