Modernising our approach to tackling the rising wildfire threat

2025 was the worst wildfire season in Europe since records began. With climate change, the risk of wildfires is increasing, both in terms of intensity and frequency. The Commission has put forward a new approach to wildfire risk management, with a strategy that provides guidance on how to better prevent, prepare for, respond and recover from wildfires. This will enhance Europe’s resilience to wildfires and help protect both people and the environment.

Restoring Europe’s nature is key, since healthy and well-managed ecosystems can reduce the risk and impacts of extreme events. This is where the emphasis on prevention comes in, and why the Commission is

• providing advice on how to approach climate adaptation on Natura 2000 sites, and how to promote resilient landscape planning
• explaining how EU countries can manage Natura 2000 sites in case of emergency situations
• proposing EU countries integrate wildfire prevention and preparedness into spatial planning 

To help prepare, the Commission will also 

• assist EU countries in their long-term planning with updated risk assessment guidelines
• look to involve citizens in wildfires preparedness in line with the preparedness union strategy
• continue to pre-position firefighters in risk areas and promote the exchange of firefighting experts
• further develop the European Forest Fire Information System, to improve its early warning and fire monitoring tools
• build European risk modelling , including prioritising AI-assisted wildfire modelling tools

Better planning will of course also help to better respond to wildfires. To further support response efforts, the rescEU firefighting fleet will be expanded with the procurement of 12 firefighting planes, as well as five helicopters. 

In terms of recovery after wildfires, the Commission proposes to collect data to better understand the long-term health risks firefighters face, due to dangerous conditions and toxic substances. It will also work to share best practices for post-fire recovery methods, and support post-disaster restoration towards more climate-resilient ecosystems.

To implement all of these measures, the Commission will work closely with EU countries, regions, the civil protection community, land managers and other stakeholders. Progress will be regularly reviewed and reported to the relevant EU institutions.

For more information

Press release - Commission launches new strategy to tackle rising wildfire threat

Question and answers on integrated wildfire risk management

Factsheet - Integrated wildfire risk management