Good afternoon. It's António for António Duarte for FA.

I have a question on the wildfires in Spain.

The government has asked, has requested to activate for the second time this summer the civil protection mechanism,

asking for at least 4 or 5 fighters.

I would like to know if you have an answer to this, and if you are, I, I guess you're following the situation,

but if you can comment on how the mechanism works and how it will be deployed, the firefighters, if they are going to be deployed. Thank you very much.

We are indeed following the situation with great concern as we see wildfires in Spain,

as we see them in France, we had seen them in Portugal,

and the summer has only just started.

So Anna-Kaisa, indeed, what is it that we're trying to do to help?

What we are doing is that we received the Spanish request for civil protection mechanism last night,

and we are now mobilized already 4 airplanes with Copernicus satellite imagery also supporting the response on the ground.

These planes are hosted in Greece, 2 of them in Greece and 2 of them in Italy,

and they're now deployed in Spain to help.

And as is always the case with the civil protection mechanism and the rescue EU, the member state needs to make the request for this help,

and then we will use our resources and our pooled resources to send the requested help. We have a fleet under the.

We have a fleet of 22 planes and 5 helicopters,

so we do have this strategic reserve in the case of requests coming from member states. You asked about firefighters.

We have a pool of 777 firefighters that are prepositioned across the areas and across member states where we are foreseeing being at risk locations.

So this is another thing that can be used.

They are ready to help immediately and help local fire brigates if fires break out,

and they are on standby, which increases their rapidness to take action when needed.

And obviously the situation, particularly now in Spain and in France as well,

and I will give an update on the situation in France, but we follow very, very closely.

The responsibility of addressing wildfires is with the member states,

with Member States' authorities, and we are in very close contact. And if there is any request.

For any kind of help that has to come to us first, and we will then take action,

but for the time being what we have deployed is 44 Canadair planes to Spain.

And I will give a quick update as regards France as well,

given that there's a very dramatic situation involving the Bordeaux region as well as we speak. Request for civil protection mechanism came yesterday.

We have deployed from the rescue EU fleet 3 planes and 2 helicopters to help now.

As well as the EU Copernicus satellite service, so the types that we have been deploying are 2 air tractor planes that are hosted in Portugal, one Black Hawk helicopter from Slovakia,

another one a Black Hawk from Chechnya, and one Canada Airplane from Croatia,

and these are now being deployed in France, mostly in Girond, and there's one in Nimes.

So this is the situation in France as regards the deployment of Risk EU This is really EU solidarity in action,

and our highest respect and gratitude for all of those assisting in these difficult times,

firefighters,

everybody who really dedicates sometimes their lives to fight these devastating fires. Any other question to Anna-Kaisa on this? Yes, please. Hi Chem from AFP.

So, just to make sure I understood correctly, so that means that for instance right now with,

Spain and France that's 7 out of the 22 planes, right?

What happens if, of course it's not a situation we hope for, but if, fires break out in other places, is there a way for you guys to rank the requests,

or let's say that all hell breaks loose,

how do you decide if a plane goes to France versus Spain versus, Italy? Is there a specific process, in place? Thanks.

It is generally speaking,

we act based on the requests that come from the member states and the fleet we have is one part of our response.

And then we do have obviously member states can help neighboring countries and we have a mechanism for this as well that we can match the requests for help with those who are able to help.

Rescue EU fleet is only one way, and yes, you're correct in saying that these planes that I just listed for France and Spain are out of the 22 + 5 helicopters,

but of course we obviously hope that all hell will not break loose,

but we are preparing for a severe situation given that we will be seeing these extreme weather events more frequently and they will be harsher and more brutal. Yes, you have raised your hand. Go ahead. I have a question.

Is the Commission envisaging Increasing the number of candidates that are available.

Given that we're seeing a rise of wildfires. So the airlines, you mean?

Incentives Well, it's co-financed, so we don't have that set out yet.

So it's a separate funding stream and then on the other hand, you have the operators, the airlines.

So Rescue you is a program that is still developing, and it is adapted based on the situation,

but now we have over 5 and it's co-financed with the member states. OK.

Other questions to Anna-Kaisa, also on the topics that she usually covers,

but you've seen Anna-Kaisa is stepping in forever today.

No, OK, we change topic, yes, please.