Brussels, 23/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - Commissioner Philippe Busquin is taking part in a day devoted to forest fires, in Hyeres (France on Tuesday). Close to 45,000 forest fires break out in Europe each year, where they destroy annually half a million of hectares. This day, jointly organised with the French authorities, will allow for the press to be presented with the results of fifteen research projects backed by the European Commission, on risk-reduction techniques and combating these fires.
In addition, the EP inter-group on sustainable development, chaired by Swedish Liberal Karl-Erik Olsson, is organising a colloquium on the fringe of the European Parliament's plenary session in Strasbourg, on monitoring the forestry eco-system in Europe.