Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection welcomed the European Commission’s doubling of the rescEU’s aerial firefighting fleet for this year’s fire season, pointing out that this decision was an official Greek proposal and an important step for protecting the country against fires.
The ministry underlined, Greece welcomes the announcement by the European Commission of an increase of the rescEU aerial firefighting fleet for this year’s fire season, adding that this is an important step for further shielding Europe against fires, substantially strengthening European solidarity and effectively responding to the effects of the climate crisis.
European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič, announced that the stock of the rescEU aerial firefighting fleet for 2023 is doubled to 24 planes and four helicopters.
Greece has the largest contribution, with four aircraft (2 medium type and 2 light type Air Tractor) and one helicopter.
It should be recalled that 180 firefighters from 5 EU countries will be deployed in Greece in summer to assist with the battle against the fires that burn down thousands of acres, setting at risk the lives of people and animals.
