Wildfires worsen in France and Spain as EU support requested

Severe wildfires across southern Europe have prompted emergency measures in France and Spain, leaving tens of thousands displaced. In southwestern France's Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, uncontrolled fires forced the evacuation of nearly 30,000 residents and tourists. Emergency responders used boats to evacuate hundreds from holiday areas along the Cap Ferret peninsula, leading authorities to impose a temporary navigation ban across the Arcachon basin. French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed activating the European Union's civil protection mechanism to seek international support.

Simultaneously, the Spanish interior ministry declared a national state of emergency for the capital region of Madrid and the neighboring province of Ávila. The declaration transfers operational management to a specialized military crisis unit to streamline fire suppression efforts.

Sources: Der Standard, ORF, Tagesschau.