Speech by Commissioner Lahbib at the European Parliament on Heatwaves, Wildfires and Droughts in Europe

2026 was again a challenging summer for Europe.

Heatwaves and droughts – fuelled by the growing impact of climate change - affected many parts of Europe and beyond, increasing wildfire risks and causing substantial damage to citizens' health and wellbeing, businesses and agriculture.

This year only, almost 700,000 hectares have already burnt, with 16 Member States recording burnt areas above their national average.

Climate-related agricultural losses are estimated at around €28.3 billion per year in the EU, showing that agriculture is among the sectors under greatest pressure.

The Commission is doing its utmost to improve how we face these scenarios.

With the current climate reality, the best way to fight extreme weather is by preventing and preparing. Reaction must remain our last line of defence. That is why the Commission will soon present the Integrated Framework for Climate Resilience.

Specifically on wildfires, the Commission has already deepened our work, and we will continue to do so. Less than six months ago, we adopted a Communication addressing the entire wildfires cycle, with a strategy that provides guidance to better prevent, prepare for, respond and recover from wildfires, including by proposing measures to strengthen risk governance.

The message is clear: all policy areas and all actors must work together, in synergy and in European solidarity.

We have developed powerful tools, such as the European Forest Fire Information System, or the European Droughts Observatory.

Our Union Civil Protection Mechanism has once again responded with determination.

The summer is not yet over but I am proud to note that so far in 2026 all requests for assistance were answered, ten times in Europe and twice outside Europe.