EU channels extra support for Portugal to help with forest fires | WPN World People News

France has offered three planes, Spain two and Italy two. Spain also offered four on a bilateral basis. The planes will operate in the affected areas such as Vila Real, Coimbra and Leiria.

In addition to immediate EU support mobilised already, further assistance is now on its way.

President Juncker and Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides immediately offered the EU's full readiness and capacity to do all possible to help and expressed their condolences to all those affected.

The European Commission is in constant contact and coordination with the Portuguese authorities. Commissioner Stylianides called Portugal's Minister of Interior de Sousa to express the Commission's solidarity to the people of Portugal and its authorities.

"Portugal is not alone in these difficult times. Europe is about solidarity and we have acted quickly to send concrete support. Following France's three firefighting planes dispatched, let me now thank Italy and Spain who have also offered four additional planes through the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism.

This vital support will help the heroic Portuguese firefighters who are risking their lives to bring the fires under control. The participating states is now offering firefighters to Portugal, following their latest request for assistance. The EU continues to be ready to provide additional emergency support Portugal requires.

The European Commission coordinates voluntary offers made by participating states though the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, and can co-finance the transport of relief items and experts to the country in question.

The assistance can consist of items for immediate relief as well as experts and supporting intervention teams. In the case of fires, this can include fire-extinguishing aircraft. The Commission cannot send planes or equipment itself via the Mechanism.

Portugal activated the EU's Civil Protection Mechanism, requesting firefighting aircraft. It has now requested firefighters.

A liaison officer from the ERCC has arrived in the country to help coordinate offers of assistance.

Overall, the Mechanism facilitates the cooperation in disaster response among 34 European states (28 EU Member States, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Iceland, Norway, Montenegro, Serbia and Turkey).

Source: European Commission