Brussels: Europe and the Arabs
 
In the context of preparing to confront the forest fire season during the summer in several European countries, the European Union institutions announced in Brussels that the European Council, which represents member states, has adopted its position on a draft law extending the deadline that allows the European Commission to provide financing for firefighting aircraft and helicopters to support member states in fighting fires. Forests.
A European statement in Brussels quoted Swedish Civil Defense Minister Oskar Bohlen, whose country holds the current rotating presidency of the unified European bloc, "Forest fires caused by drought and heat affect the entire European Union. With today's decision, we want to secure EU funding for firefighting planes and helicopters."

rescue
In 2019, the Rescue Unit was set up as a reserve for European civil protection capabilities that will step in to help member states protect citizens when disasters - such as wildfires - strike. These capabilities will include a fleet of firefighting aircraft and helicopters.
To ensure a smooth transition until the rescue unit’s firefighting fleet is fully available, the Commission can, for a transitional period until 31 December 2024, provide funding to Member States to ensure rapid access to national aerial firefighting capabilities.
Since the purchase of highly specialized aircraft cannot be completed before the end of 2024, the transition period for leasing bushfire aircraft and helicopters should be extended until the end of 2027.
Rapid adoption
The Council is concerned about the increasing risk of wildfires and the development of wildfires that are becoming more frequent and intense. This requires a rapid prolongation of the transition period - to ensure that adequate aerial firefighting capabilities continue to be available quickly after the 2024 bushfire season. The Council therefore decided to align its position with that of the Commission and called on the European Parliament to cooperate for a speedy adoption.