Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002833/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Galato Alexandraki (ECR)
According to a 2024 report by the European Court of Auditors, forest fires in the EU have tripled in frequency compared to the 2006-2010 period, destroying 5 250 square kilometres per year. Despite increased funding, the EU is failing to prevent an escalation of this phenomenon, owing to a lack of targeted and sustainable use of funds.
The ECA points to cases of inappropriate allocation of funding, where outdated maps were used or priority was given to areas without real risk. In Greece – where last year, for example, wildfires burned an area three times the historical average – the list of vulnerable areas is based on data from 1979, while EUR 470 million was made available through the Recovery and Resilience Facility without guarantees for a lasting impact.
In view of the above, can the Commission say:
- 1.How does it intend to ensure that EU funds for forest fire prevention are directed to areas in real need and on the basis of updated maps?
- 2.What steps will it take to ensure the sustainability and long-term effectiveness of the measures financed?
- 3.Does it consider it acceptable to use data as old as that used by Greece for such critical environmental projects?
Submitted: 11.7.2025