The European Conservatives and Reformists Group has called for better preparation, stronger civil protection and practical adaptation measures following a summer of severe heatwaves and wildfires across Europe.

During Tuesday morning’s plenary debate in Strasbourg with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib ECR MEPs called for stronger civil protection mechanisms, better preparation and adaption to the specific conditions of Member States and regions. The conservatives also paid tribute to the firefighters, first responders and volunteers who have worked on the front lines of this summer’s emergencies.

ECR MEP, Vice-President of the European Parliament and Member in the Committee on Regional Development Antonella Sberna highlighted the importance of European solidarity and effective coordination between national authorities, regions, scientific experts and volunteers.

“This summer we saw droughts and wildfires which have hit Europe hard, and first responders have helped fight those. In this emergency once again we’ve seen how we have managed to have solidarity translated into real actions,” Sberna said.

She stressed the need to ensure that the European civil protection system has the resources and coordination necessary to respond effectively when emergencies strike.

“We have to make sure that resources are made available for this so we can fight these emergencies when they arise. We have to have the Emergency Response Coordination Centre at the heart of what’s going on to help national authorities as well. Because with crises in Europe, we’re stronger when the networks and the capacities in the states concerned work properly,” Sberna said.

MEP and ECR Group Deputy Coordinator in the Environment Committee Anna Zalewska criticised what she described as ideological obstinacy in the European Parliament and called for faster, practical action to support those affected by climate-related emergencies.

“Since this is a debate that recurs periodically, we need funds for compensation. Secondly, we need a plan for nature restoration. Thirdly, we need funding for monitoring and protective measures. Fourthly, we need education on how people can better prepare themselves.

“Please make sure that you deal with that fast,” Zalewska added.

ECR MEP and Chair of the Agriculture Committee Veronika Vrecionová stressed that the central lesson the European Union has to learn is that preparation must begin before disaster strikes.

“Wildfires, droughts reminded us that we must respond earlier than before it happens. Nice plans are not enough,” Vrecionová said.

Vrecionová also rejected a one-size-fits-all approach to climate resilience, stressing that European policy must reflect the realities of different regions.

“There is no universal solution. Measures have to be based on the specific conditions in every region. Our job therefore is to support Member States and regions in these efforts,” she said.