The European Union is sending four firefighting planes to assist crews battling wildfires in Southern France. The aircraft will originate from Cyprus and Sweden and are expected to arrive today. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the support will focus on areas around Perpignan, where firefighters are struggling to contain the blazes. This deployment is part of the EU’s Civil Protection Mechanism which provides assistance to member states facing emergencies. The move underscores the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires across Europe, exacerbated by climate change. Further resources may be mobilized if the situation worsens, according to EU officials. This assistance aims to alleviate pressure on French firefighters and help control the ongoing crisis.