Solidarity in action: crucial help from EU in North Macedonia’s fight against wildfires

Solidarity in action: crucial help from EU in North Macedonia's fight against wildfires

In a summer marked by severe wildfires, the EU responded rapidly to North Macedonia's requests for help in its efforts to put devastating blazes under control.

Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, the country received - on two occasions - urgent aerial firefighting assistance from several participating States: Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and Türkiye.

The Mechanism was first activated on 15 July, upon an urgent request by the government, with the EU's Emergency Response Coordination Centre mobilising quickly four helicopters and four planes/air tractors for extinguishing fire from air. After reactivating the Mechanism on 30 July, the national authorities received help through deployment of seven aircrafts.

"The EU has always been there for North Macedonia in challenging times. Our rapid and substantial assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism is providing vital support for local efforts in the fight against the devastating wildfires", stated EU Ambassador David Geer. On 3 August, he, together with Crisis Management Centre Director Stojanche Angelov, attended a briefing with the national and foreign crews on ongoing activities for putting out the fires.

The Mechanism covers up most of the operational costs of firefighting aerial assistance - the remaining operational costs are covered by offering countries, as part of European solidarity. North Macedonia covers the costs for food and accommodation of foreign crews, as well as the running costs such as fuel and airport taxes.

This is not the first time the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been mobilised to help the country deal with natural disasters. In August 2021, EU support through the Mechanism was critical in overcoming severe wildfires in the areas of Pehchevo and Berovo. In 2015 and 2016, timely support was provided through the Mechanism to cope with severe flooding affecting the country. Support through the Mechanism was also provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.