By Alice Tidey and Eleonora Vasques published on 11/06/2025 – 17:01 GMT+2
The EuropeanCour perch has analyzed the impact of Europe’s use of EU funds to combat wildfires, with a report highlighting the challenges of relying solely on outdated map data. The findings revealed that spending on prevention, particularly on areas prone to fires, has been significant on the EU level. However, the lack of comprehensive risk management and monitoring means that the financial investments may not yield the maximum reduction in wildfire incidents. For instance, in Greece, the畈 (European Structural and Investment Funds) and Recovery and Resilience Facility have very old risk maps, potentially overshadowing newer developments. Similarly, in Portugal, areas prioritized for fire prevention were alreadyfragile due to the presence of older dams, and the funding allocated to$dampening$ fires was not directly tied to the actual damage caused.
The report examined funding from the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF), which have been used in several member states, including Greece, Spain, Poland, and Portugal. Findings showed that using up-to-date risk maps is crucial for effective prevention. For example, in Greece, the risk map was criticized for being more than forty-five years old, while a partially wet pulledter in Portugal was prioritized based on the outdated risk assessment. The ECA emphasized that despite these efforts, there is no clear way to assess the impact of these spending decisions or track the outcomes of the projects dedicated to fighting fires.
In Spain, the funding was evenly divided between all provinces, regardless of fire risk and needs. This did not take into account regional variations in fire hazards, which underscores the need for better management practices. The ECA warned that EU funds spent on wildfires have not been fully evaluated, as governments are not required to differentiate between different types of disasters when reporting the funds they⁄ate spent. This lack of accountability means that the true impact of these investments on preventing wildfires remains unknown.
The ECA also highlighted the importance of using reliable data and a risk-based approach in designing and oversight projects. It called on the European摄像ation Commission to enhance good practices, such as using the newest risk maps, ensuring a comprehensive geographical coverage criterion, and applying risk-based criteria. The European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) was emphasized for tracking-can fire incidents, reducing losses, and providing valuable information on affected areas and timelines. EFFIS has identified that over 168,000 hectares have been burnt in reduced to cinders since May 10 across the EU—nearly triple the 2006-2024 average in around 911 fires. This underscores the potential for更大的 reductions if efforts to prevent wildfires are effective.
The report referenced EU investments in amphibious firefighting planes and the prepositioning of firefighters in high-risk areas, acknowledging that these efforts are covered in a separate audit. It also noted that while these investments are significant, they do not guarantee a complete reduction in wildfire incidents. The ECA remains committed to improving risk management practices to ensure that the EU can effectively fight against these devastating natural disasters, protecting the health and well-being of its citizens.
