Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to the rescue teams and firefighters who helped Europe during a dangerous summer of wildfires and emergencies.

She said that over the summer, teams from 25 countries were deployed from EU Member States and partner countries to support emergency response efforts.

For the first time, this included firefighters from Ukraine helping inside the European Union — a powerful symbol of solidarity between Ukraine and Europe.

Von der Leyen praised the rescue teams for working heroically to protect people and communities.

She also honoured those who tragically lost their lives while bravely protecting others.

Their courage, she said, their service and their memory will stay with Europe — and will inspire future action.

The message was deeply human: behind every aircraft, every rescue team and every emergency deployment are people risking their lives to save others.

This is European solidarity in action.

#eudebates #VonDerLeyen #Ukraine #EUCivilProtection #Wildfires