The European model of solidarity is failing - The civil protection mechanism against fires must be reviewed
The European Commission has warned that firefighting capacity is being tested to its limits as major fires in Spain and France overwhelm local capacities and require one of the largest European aid operations in recent years. "These fires are beyond our capabilities," a European official admitted, describing the situation in both countries where more than 80,000 hectares have already burned in Spain and over 42,000 hectares in France.
The problem is not just the extent of the damage, but also the speed at which the flames are spreading. Recently in Spain, a fire was moving at a speed of about six kilometers per hour, while firefighters were able to advance and create protective zones at a speed of only 300 meters per hour. This change turns firefighting operations into a race, with firefighters often chasing a fire that has already changed direction.
The European Union has activated its civil protection mechanism, sending planes, helicopters and firefighting teams. France has deployed seven planes and four helicopters, while Spain has six planes and three ground teams. At the same time, more than 770 firefighters from 14 countries have been deployed as a precaution in southern Europe for the summer season.
However, Brussels acknowledges that the European model of solidarity, which is based on the sharing of resources between member states, is now under severe strain. When many countries are hit by extreme fires at the same time, the planes and helicopters available are not enough.
The European Union plans to reinforce it with a permanent European firefighting force, which will include 12 Canadair aircraft and five helicopters. But deliveries are not expected to be completed before 2030.
This year's fire season started earlier than usual and European officials estimate it could last until October or even November. The new challenge for Europe is not just buying more firefighting aircraft. Experts insist that the response must include prevention: better forest management, clearing flammable vegetation and adapting to a climate that is already changing.
617 thousand visitors to cultural sites in six months - Minister Gonxha: Visitors increase, but the pace drops in June
Albania continues to be a growing destination for cultural tourism. During the first half of 2026, cultural sites in the country were visited by 617,907......
August, temperatures above normal! - Tropical nights in Mediterranean countries. Even Britain at 35 degrees
Europe is bracing for a "warmer than normal" August after a series of heatwaves. Much of the continent has struggled to cope with temperatures that have......
Spain breaks tourism records - But one in three Spaniards can't afford a vacation
Spain is set to break new records in tourism this summer, but one in three residents cannot afford to spend a week away from home on holiday. Between June......
Italy reactivates fuel excise tax reduction - If prices remain high, other relief measures will be taken
Italy has reactivated a temporary cut in excise duty on oil amid widespread protests in many cities against rising energy costs and concerns about the fiscal......
"5 stores", discounts of up to 30% on fruits and vegetables/ New York, Mamdani announces initiative to reduce living costs
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's plan to open a chain of city-owned grocery stores has sparked a backlash. Critics have called the initiative the......
"Unregistered lands hinder agrotourism" - Investment Council: State properties should be registered
Uncertainties over land ownership are becoming one of the main obstacles to the development of agritourism in the country. A report by the Investment Council......
Shqipëri-Kroaci, ministri Hoxha: Projekte të përbashkëta në energji, turizëm dhe infrastrukturë
Ministri i Jashtëm Ferit Hoxha ka pritur në Tiranë Ministrin e Punëve të Jashtme dhe Evropiane të Kroacisë, Gordan Grlić-Radman. Pas takimit, ministri Hoxha,......
$302 million military agreement with the US, approved by the Parliament with 74 votes in an accelerated procedure
The Albanian Parliament approved, by an accelerated procedure, with 74 votes in favor, a $302 million loan agreement from the United States for the purchase......
