EU Funds for Forest Fire Prevention: Misallocated and Urgently Needed
A recent report from the EU's spending watchdog indicates that European funds aimed at preventing forest fires have been poorly targeted and often hastily distributed. The number of forest fires in EU countries has surged over the last two decades, exacerbated by the climate crisis, leading to larger and more destructive blazes. On average, an area twice the size of Luxembourg has been consumed by flames each year, resulting in loss of life, destroyed homes and wildlife, and significant emissions that contribute to global warming.
The European Court of Auditors commended the increased financial commitment towards fire prevention but criticized the allocation of these funds, noting that they are not always directed to areas that could benefit the most. For instance, in Greece, authorities have been using a fire risk assessment map formulated in 1980, while in Portugal, one region prioritized for funding included a location that is now underwater due to a newly constructed dam.
These concerns come at a time when EU funding for fire prevention has sharply increased, particularly through the €650 billion COVID-19 recovery fund initiated in 2020. This fund was designed to aid EU member states in recovering from the pandemic-induced crisis while enhancing their environmental policies and technological frameworks. Greece is projected to receive €837 million in recovery funds between 2020 and 2026 specifically to combat forest fires, a significant rise from the €49 million granted during the previous seven-year budget period. Spain and, to a lesser extent, Portugal have also experienced similar increases in EU funding dedicated to forest fire management.
However, the recovery fund, almost entirely financed through market borrowing, has already faced criticism from auditors for its lack of transparency and accountability. The report sheds light on the pressure governments face to rapidly allocate these funds, which has led to questionable decisions. In Portugal, for example, the rural fire management agency was excluded from discussions on how to spend €615 million in COVID recovery funds over seven years allocated for firefighting efforts. Additionally, a Portuguese authority that was supposed to receive fire engines failed to meet a 48-hour deadline set by Lisbon to outline their needs, resulting in national officials making key decisions regarding a fleet of 55 vehicles.
EU funds are intended for activities aimed at preventing or responding swiftly to fires, such as reducing vegetation or constructing roads to improve access for firefighting vehicles. However, the temporary nature of these COVID recovery funds, set to expire in 2026, raises concerns about the sustainability of funding strategies since vegetation management for fire prevention typically requires efforts every three to four years.
Nikolaos Milionis, the European Court of Auditors member responsible for the inquiry, stated, "While it is a positive development that more funds are being allocated towards fire prevention, the process for selecting projects means that the funds do not always go where they can make the most significant impact." He noted a concerning lack of information regarding the outcomes of EU-funded projects and whether they would continue in the future.
The European Commission, the body overseeing the distribution of EU funds, has been reached for comment regarding these findings. Meanwhile, between 2021 and 2024, EU member states averaged 1,874 forest fires yearly, which burned approximately 527,000 hectares. This is in stark contrast to the average of 567 forest fires annually between 2006 and 2010, which affected 268,000 hectares.
As the European Union grapples with the impacts of climate change and rising forest fire incidences, it becomes increasingly critical that funding for prevention is strategically allocated to where it can effectively mitigate this growing threat.
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