Portugal, France seek EU help as wildfires spread

Two European Union countries have already requested assistance through the bloc's Civil Protection Mechanism over wildfires, although only one month has passed since the start of summer, Report's European bureau informs.

European Commission spokesperson Eva Hrncirova said at a briefing in Brussels on July 6 that Portugal and France activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism over the weekend after facing several major fires at the same time.

To support Portugal, Spain sent firefighters and equipment within hours, while aircraft from the EU's rescEU reserve in Italy and Spain later joined the firefighting efforts.

For France, the EU mobilized four firefighting aircraft from Sweden and Cyprus, which are expected to begin operations on Tuesday in the Perpignan area.

According to the European Commission, the EU has pre-positioned a record 777 firefighters this summer and has also prepared 22 aircraft and five helicopters for possible operations to help countries in the event of wildfires.

"When one member state is under pressure, Europe responds together," Hrncirova said, calling the response an example of European solidarity.