Wildfires

Policies to protect EU forests against fire

To address the rising wildfire threat, the Commission launched a new strategy in March 2026 that promotes an integrated approach to wildfire risk management. It proposes actions for preventing or reducing the risk of wildfires, alongside strengthening our preparedness, response and recovery.

Based on this strategy, a Recommendation from the Council was adopted, which encourages Member States to apply the approach in ways that reflect their own circumstances, systems and level of risk. It also calls for stronger cooperation between public authorities, land managers, civil society and local communities.

Preventing wildfires before they start

Prevention through creating fire-resilient landscapes is the most cost-effective way of reducing the threat from wildfires. The guidelines on land-based wildfire prevention promote action on the ground such as managing vegetation and reducing the build-up of plant material that can help fires spread and make firefighting more difficult.

The EU Forest Strategy for 2030 promotes stronger, healthier forests which are more resilient to forest fires. To support this objective and facilitate knowledge sharing, the European Commission published guidelines on closer to nature forestry and biodiversity-friendly afforestation and reforestation.     

By the end of 2027, the Commission will present:

• best practices for managing vegetation that can fuel fires, while protecting species, habitats and soils;
• effective prevention measures through sustainable farming and forest management, based on successful European Union-funded projects.

Strengthening preparedness, response capacity & resilience

The EU is working to reduce the impact of wildfires that cannot be prevented. Its 2021 Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change calls for faster, smarter and better coordinated action to help people, nature and the economy cope with climate change.

Nature Restoration also plays an important role as healthy ecosystems can reduce the impact of floods, droughts and heatwaves. Restored forests are often less vulnerable to fires and drought because a greater variety of tree species can improve resilience. Integrating trees in the agricultural landscape can also help the soil retain moisture and reduce water loss. Restored wetlands and floodplains can help create a sponge landscape that retains water and are more resilient to droughts, which is crucial for slowing down the spread of fires, in line with the European water resilience strategy.