Nearly 660,000 hectares of land have burned across the EU in 2026.

Omissions

• The claim slightly understates the actual figure: the European Commission's JRC/EFFIS recorded 666,534 hectares as of 9 September 2026 and 668,035 hectares as of 16 September 2026, i.e. closer to 670,000 than 660,000 hectares.
• The same JRC source notes that the 2026 burnt area is below the area recorded by the same date in 2025, which was the worst year on record — context that is omitted but does not affect the accuracy of the figure.
• The MEP did not cite the source; the figure matches the European Commission Joint Research Centre / EFFIS data.

Sources

• PrimaryEuropean Commission – Joint Research Centre (Current wildfire situation in Europe, EFFIS data)As of 16 September 2026, the area affected by fires has reached 668 035 hectares. This is below the area recorded by the same date in 2025 (the worst year ...).
• PrimaryEFFIS – European Forest Fire Information System (Copernicus Emergency Management Service)EFFIS Burned Area (ha, Year-to-Date). Total EU Countries. Mapped 716226 (53% forest); Estimated 753922.