Lethal fires in Attica

Question for written answer E-001640/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE), Georgios Aftias (PPE), Vangelis Meimarakis (PPE), Fredis Beleris (PPE), Eleonora Meleti (PPE), Emmanouil Kefalogiannis (PPE), Dimitris Tsiodras (PPE)

Over the past couple of days, North-East Attica has gone up in flames, with images of biblical destruction in urban and forest locations being broadcast around the world. According to the Hellenic Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, there are 702 firefighters, 27 forest commando and volunteer teams, 199 vehicles, 17 aeroplanes and 18 helicopters operating in the region.

Winds are so high that fresh outbreaks of fire are constantly occurring, making it necessary to evacuate local populations, hospital units and even children's camps in the areas affected. More than 20 homes have so far been destroyed, and more than 250 people have been rescued from the flames.

The prolonged drought, lack of rain and high winds are contributing to the rapid spread of the fire. France, Italy, Czechia, Cyprus and Romania have responded immediately to the Greek Government's appeal for help through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.

Since the consequences of climate change are obvious:

• 1.Is the Commission planning to activate the European Solidarity Fund immediately so that Greece is given emergency financial support in dealing with the consequences of the lethal fires?
• 2.Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, does it consider that an EU base needs to be established in Mediterranean countries during the summer period so that there is a more effective mechanism for rapid intervention in dealing with fires?

Submitted: 5.9.2024