Integrated wildfire strategy launched to address growing risk in Europe

EU meeting proposes continent-wide wildfire strategy

Over 150 wildfire specialists met in Brussels to present a draft strategy to address increasing wildfire risks in Europe.

According to UCP Knowledge Network, the Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) Strategy was presented at a two-day event organised by the Firelogue coordination project in cooperation with the EU Research Executive Agency.

The event was supported by four EU Green Deal projects – FirEUrisk, FIRE-RES, SILVANUS, and TREEADS – which have spent the past four years identifying weaknesses in European wildfire risk management.

The strategy proposes a move from reactive national responses to a long-term, coordinated approach across the continent.

Organisers stated that climate change has altered the frequency and distribution of wildfires in Europe, making a shared, systemic approach necessary.

Focus on civil protection and landscape resilience

The IWRM Strategy is intended to support the objectives of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, with a particular emphasis on integrating emergency response, land management, public engagement, and digital infrastructure.

UCP Knowledge Network reported that wildfires are increasingly affecting parts of central and northern Europe, beyond the traditionally affected southern regions.

The proposal recommends that national systems shift from treating wildfires as seasonal events to seeing them as continuous governance challenges.

It also calls for stronger investment in local-level civil protection to enable authorities to apply preventative measures in vulnerable areas.

A central theme of the Brussels discussions was the need for wildfire governance to cross administrative and sectoral boundaries.

Turning research into operational tools

The IWRM Strategy includes tools developed through pilot projects and research programmes, including drones, risk modelling platforms, and apps to support field teams.

At the event, Firelogue demonstrated a virtual reality module for firefighter training that simulates wildfire response scenarios.

According to the organisers, these tools are designed to be immediately useful to civil protection agencies.

However, it was also stated that technical innovation must be accompanied by adequate training, funding, and inclusion in decision-making structures.

Speakers pointed to Fire Forums as a format for cross-sector engagement between scientists, responders, and decision-makers, particularly in areas with limited resources.

Stakeholder alignment and implementation planning

The closing roundtable featured representatives from DG ECHO, DG Environment, the Joint Research Centre, and the World Bank.

According to UCP Knowledge Network, the discussion focused on aligning the IWRM Strategy with existing EU programmes and addressing legal or institutional changes needed for implementation.

Participants stressed that the success of the strategy depends on coordination across sectors and levels of governance.

Suggestions included education initiatives, improved coordination between countries, and formal mechanisms for knowledge sharing between regions.

The panel agreed that while the strategy provides a structure, effective implementation will depend on political and institutional follow-through.

Strategy aims to make Europe wildfire resilient

UCP Knowledge Network reported that the strategy aims to address wildfires as an accelerating outcome of climate change.

Speakers at the event stressed that civil protection systems must be central to wildfire adaptation planning across Europe.

The strategy proposal sets out a direction for EU-level and national alignment but will require legislative and policy action to become formalised.

Organisers concluded that moving forward requires joint work between Commission services, Member States, and local agencies.

The strategy is not binding but is intended as a reference point for future EU wildfire governance.

Integrated wildfire strategy launched to address growing risk in Europe: Summary

Over 150 wildfire experts met in Brussels in June 2025 to launch a strategy for Europe-wide wildfire risk management.

The event was hosted by the Firelogue coordination project and the EU Research Executive Agency.

Support came from four European Green Deal projects: FirEUrisk, FIRE-RES, SILVANUS, and TREEADS.

The proposed Integrated Wildfire Risk Management (IWRM) Strategy seeks to coordinate science, policy, and operations.

The proposal recommends shifting from national, seasonal responses to cross-border, year-round systems.

The strategy supports EU Civil Protection Mechanism goals and local implementation capabilities.

Technologies showcased include virtual-reality training and mobile tools for fire services.

Speakers called for investment in training and decision-making integration.

Fire Forums were highlighted as a method for cross-sector dialogue and capacity-building.

A closing panel included officials from the European Commission and World Bank.

The discussion addressed legal, institutional, and funding needs for implementation.

The strategy has not yet been adopted but serves as a draft framework.

Further collaboration between EU institutions and Member States is required.

Organisers said the strategy responds to fire risks made worse by climate change.

The proposal frames wildfires as a long-term, systemic challenge for European civil protection.