#52026DC0330EU Commission Communication on Integrated Wildfire Risk Management

The European Commission has issued a formal Communication addressing the growing threat of wildfires across the EU, outlining a comprehensive, integrated approach to wildfire risk management. The Communication responds to increasingly severe wildfire seasons driven by climate change, land abandonment, and urban-rural interface expansion, which have caused significant loss of life, property damage, and ecological harm across Member States. The Communication calls for coordinated action across prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery phases, aligning with the EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the RescEU aerial firefighting fleet. It emphasizes the need for stronger cross-border cooperation, shared early warning systems, and harmonized risk assessment frameworks among Member States. Key priorities include integrating wildfire risk into land-use planning, forest management, and rural development policies, as well as leveraging Copernicus satellite data and EFFIS (European Forest Fire Information System) for real-time monitoring and post-fire assessment. The Commission also highlights the role of ecosystem restoration and firebreaks in reducing fuel loads. The Communication is non-binding but signals the Commission's intent to propose further legislative or funding measures under instruments such as the LIFE programme, Cohesion Funds, and the EU Forest Strategy 2030, urging Member States to embed wildfire resilience into their national adaptation and disaster risk reduction plans.

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