What's happening in Europe?
Spain
The front page of El País highlights severe wildfires in Spain, with the government declaring a national emergency in Madrid and Ávila. Other stories focus on Spain seeking aid from Brussels for fire fighting, details on the affected areas, and the historical context of national emergencies…
The Spanish government has declared a national emergency in the Community of Madrid and Ávila due to four ongoing wildfires, citing adverse weather conditions. This is a rare measure, having been previously activated only once in Spain's history during a 2025 blackout.
Spain has requested assistance from Brussels to combat the ongoing wildfires and has specifically asked for at least four planes to help with the firefighting operations.
Over 10,000 people have been evacuated in Madrid as three fires rage, with one resident describing the fire's rapid spread as being 'like a rocket'.
Wildfires are impacting Nouvelle-Aquitaine, a coastal tourist region in France, and the Mediterranean department of Var, highlighting the widespread nature of the fire crisis.
This story provides a visual overview and data on the extent of the active wildfires, utilizing satellite data compiled by the EFFIS project.
This article examines past instances and controversies surrounding the declaration of national emergencies, referencing events like the 2024 DANA and a past denial of aid.
