After North Macedonia sent a request for assistance, Germany and Sweden mobilized two planes each from rescEU, the EU’s fleet for battling fires, and this assistance was complemented by Czechia, with one rescEU helicopter, and Slovenia and Serbia with one helicopter each, the European Commission said Friday.
“In the constant fight against wildfires, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism responded immediately. I am grateful to the Member States that sent assistance – this is EU solidarity in practice,” said Commissioner for Crisis Management, Janez Lenarčič.
In addition, a liaison officer from the EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre was also deployed to North Macedonia to help coordinate the response in the country.
In addition to Macedonia, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was also activated for Bulgaria and Albania, which are also hit by wildfires.
