Solidarity in action: EU sends urgent support to Serbia as wildfires intensify

The European Union is sending urgent support to Serbia through its Civil Protection Mechanism as severe wildfires continue to affect the Deliblato Sands Special Nature Reserve, where more than 3,500 hectares have already been impacted.

The fires have been ongoing for more than two weeks, fuelled by strong winds, challenging conditions, and terrain that is difficult to access for ground-based intervention. The scale and persistence of the emergency have threatened one of Serbia’s most important natural areas.

In response to the worsening situation, Serbia activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism on Friday 21 August, requesting European support to reinforce ongoing firefighting efforts.  For emergency assessment and operational planning, the EU’s Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) was already activated on 8 August, providing satellite mapping and analysis of the affected area.

“Solidarity is a core European value. When disaster strikes, we are turning it into action. The European Union stands with Serbia and its people, supporting the fight against wildfires affecting Deliblato Sands”, stated European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib.

Following Serbia’s call for support, the European Union has mobilised assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, deploying four helicopters from the strategic reserve of the rescEU fleet based in Czechia, Romania and Slovakia, as well as ground firefighting teams from Germany and Romania. Additionally, a liaison officer will arrive in Serbia to facilitate close coordination between the Serbian authorities, the EU Emergency Response Coordination Centre, and the deployed teams, ensuring that assistance is delivered swiftly and effectively where it is most needed.

The European Union will remain in close contact with Serbia and the participating states to protect lives, livelihoods and the unique natural heritage of Deliblato Sands.

How does the EU Civil Protection Mechanism work?

The EU Civil Protection Mechanism supports countries hit by natural or man-made disasters by coordinating assistance from across Europe when national capacities are overstretched.

Any country, inside or outside the EU, can request support. The request is shared with all 37 participating countries, which can offer aircraft, helicopters, firefighting teams, equipment or experts, while the Commission coordinates and cofinances their deployment. The EU’s strategic reserve, rescEU, includes 22 planes and 5 helicopters.

The EU’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre operates 24/7 to coordinate support.