More wildfires this year but fewer burned area

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vasilis Kikilias, in an interview, highlighted that 4,500 wildfires have erupted in Greece so far. He noted that this number is significantly higher than the 20-year average, emphasizing that, according to scientists, these are the worst fires in the last 40 years. "Despite these overwhelming conditions, the burned hectares are below the 20-year average," he added.

Kikilias also addressed the catastrophic floods affecting Central Europe, pointing out that 300 mm of rain fell in these countries, while during storm Daniel in Greece, the corresponding figure was 800 mm. He further stressed that firefighters in Greece are currently battling both wildfires and floods. "In northern and western Greece, we are mainly dealing with floods, while in the south and east, primarily with wildfires.

As we move into September, we may see more such phenomena. We will do everything humanly possible, in an organized and structured way," he stated.

On the migration issue, he remarked, "Those who used to point fingers at us over the conditions in our centers and how illegal migrants lived now want to close their borders and blow up Europe. They are deeply mistaken if they think they can reshape Europe according to their own desires."

He also expressed disappointment with Germany, Austria and the Netherlands for effectively canceling the Schengen Agreement while enforcing Dublin II, stating, "They are not primarily concerned with what happens at the external borders regarding migration." Kikilias reminded that in 2017, he and Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis presented a plan to then-Chancellor Angela Merkel to secure Europe's external borders, which could have absorbed a measurable number of migrants and eased migration pressure. "She did not adopt it continued with her policy and now her party is tougher on migration than the current coalition," Kikilias concluded.

AMNA