The European Union must step up investment in wildfire prevention, sustainable forest management, drought resilience and early warning systems, while ensuring that local and regional authorities have the resources to protect their communities. This was the central message of EPP Group members during a debate on wildfires and drought with Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction, held at the European Committee of the Regions during the European Week of Regions and Cities.
Dimitrios Kafantaris (EL/EPP), Municipal Councillor of Pylos-Nestoros, warned that wildfires, desertification and forest degradation are closely interconnected and require a comprehensive European response. He called for greater investment in sustainable water management, resilient landscapes, climate adaptation and prevention measures tailored to the needs of vulnerable territories.
“Ultimately, the true measure of success is not simply how quickly we extinguish a wildfire, but how effectively we prevent fires from occurring, limit their spread and protect our communities and ecosystems,” Kafantaris stressed.
María Guardiola Martín (ES/EPP), President of the Regional Government of Extremadura, called for EU environmental legislation that facilitates active forest management rather than creating obstacles to essential prevention measures. She highlighted the importance of firebreaks, maintaining forest access routes and traditional practices such as extensive grazing.
“We need legislation that facilitates, rather than hinders, essential measures such as the creation of firebreaks, the maintenance of access routes, active forest management and traditional practices such as extensive grazing,” she stated. Guardiola also called for wildfire prevention to be explicitly recognised as an EU environmental objective, backed by dedicated financing.
Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla (ES/EPP), President of the Regional Government of Andalusia and First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions, highlighted the growing pressure that climate-related disasters place on regional emergency services. In Andalusia alone, an emergency agency with 5,000 personnel has had to contend with 79 firefighting operations this year, with more than 58,000 hectares affected by wildfires.
“The next EU budget must guarantee adequate and dedicated funding for disaster prevention and response,” Moreno Bonilla stressed. He welcomed European initiatives to strengthen climate resilience and firefighting capabilities, while emphasising that their success depends on recognising the responsibilities of regions and municipalities.
Alfonso Rueda Valenzuela (ES/EPP), President of the Regional Government of Galicia, called for a shift towards anticipating risks before disasters occur. He highlighted practical measures including monitoring water reserves, strengthening essential infrastructure, reducing combustible vegetation and improving citizens' capacity for self-protection. He also advocated greater support for agricultural communities and decentralised EU funding adapted to regional needs.
“We must invest before catastrophes occur, because prevention, preparedness and the sharing of knowledge and data are far more effective, less costly and safer than reacting once an emergency has already unfolded,” Rueda Valenzuela said.
The interventions highlighted the importance of moving from reactive emergency management towards long-term prevention and preparedness. EPP-CoR members called for adequate EU financing, more effective forest and water management, and practical measures that enable regions and municipalities to reduce risks before disasters strike.