The current wildfires underscore the urgent need for a permanent EU-wide firefighting force, rather than relying on ad hoc requests for help. When Southern Europe burns, nations like Germany have the equipment and expertise to assist, but coordinating resources takes time. A standing European firefighting fleet—with dedicated aircraft, vehicles, and crews—could deploy within hours, saving lives and property.
Germany has a strong interest in such a system. German tourists are directly affected, and German taxpayers already fund EU disaster response. Creating a permanent force would share the burden fairly across member states, rather than leaving frontline countries like Greece to bear the brunt alone during every crisis. Furthermore, climate projections show that Germany itself could face more fire risk as temperatures rise, so a shared defense is pragmatic.
Those who argue that a central force is too expensive overlook the economic cost of fires: billions in damage, lost tourism, and health expenditures. Investing now in a well-equipped EU firefighting unit would lower long-term costs and improve resilience. The EU has already taken steps, like rescEU, which pre-funds firefighting planes, but the program needs to be expanded and made permanent.
By pooling resources, Europe can respond faster and more effectively. It also sends a strong signal that climate adaptation is a collective priority. For Germany, backing a coordinated EU fire service is both a practical necessity and a show of solidarity.