Solidarity in action: EU continues to help North Macedonia’s fight against wildfires

Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, in the course of July, the country received aerial firefighting assistance from Czechia and Greece, as well as ground-based firefighting aid from Slovenia. 

In early July, upon the activation of the Mechanism by the government, two rescEU Canadair airplanes hosted by Greece were rapidly deployed to help extinguish a fire in the south of North Macedonia. Later in the month, a rescEU helicopter hosted by the Czech Republic and a Slovenian firefighting team (with 62 firefighters and 18 vehicles) were sent to help the authorities’ efforts to put under control a large fire in the eastern part of the country. Austria and France also offered help on that occasion. 

The Mechanism covers up a significant part of the costs of firefighting assistance – the remaining costs are covered by offering countries, as part of European solidarity. North Macedonia accommodates the foreign crews, by offering them hotels, taking care of food and taking care of fuel. 

This is not the first time the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been mobilised to help the country deal with natural disasters. Last year, aerial firefighting assistance came from Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Germany, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia, Sweden and Türkiye. In the summer of 2021, EU support through the Mechanism was critical in overcoming severe wildfires in the areas of Pehchevo and Berovo. In 2015 and 2016, timely support was provided through the Mechanism to cope with severe flooding affecting the country. Support through the Mechanism was also provided during the COVID-19 pandemic.