EU crisis chief urges tougher climate action amid France, Spain wildfires

The bloc’s crisis management chief calls for more investment and plans to be accelerated as an ominous heatwave looms.Published On 29 Jul 202629 Jul 2026The European Union’s crisis management commissioner says the bloc needs to invest more in tackling climate change and accelerate its response, as France and Spain prepare for another crippling heatwave that could ignite new wildfires and intensify blazes already burning.Hadja Lahbib said the EU must ensure its climate strategy remains in lockstep with realities on the ground, as global warming advances faster than scientists previously projected. She has called for increased funding, better education on fire risk and a renewed focus on forest management.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Photos: France, Spain battle ‘monster’ wildfires as more heat loomslist 2 of 3Wildfires in southwest Europe: What we know so farlist 3 of 3Wildfire leaves Biscarrosse commercial district in ruinsend of list“Climate change is accelerating. So our response must evolve just as quickly,” Lahbib told Reuters.“We must prepare for risks before disasters strike and not simply react afterwards.”Lahbib’s comments come as devastating wildfires cont...