European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of a Danish pilot and a Greek liaison officer who were killed after two firefighting helicopters collided, on Sunday, while battling the major wildfire in the Psatha area of Greece.
In a post on X, von der Leyen said Europe stood in solidarity with both Greece and Denmark, paying tribute to those who lost their lives in the line of duty. She stressed that it takes exceptional courage to fly into the flames so that others can remain safe.
My thoughts are with the friends and families of the Greek and Danish wildfire pilots who tragically died earlier today in a collision with another helicopter while on duty in Greece.
I wish a full recovery to those injured.
It takes a special courage to fly towards the flames…
— Ursula von der Leyen (@vonderleyen) August 2, 2026
The Commission President also said her thoughts were with the families, friends and colleagues of the Greek and Danish firefighters who were killed while carrying out their mission in Greece. She wished a swift and full recovery to those injured in the crash and added that, as European countries continue to fight devastating wildfires side by side, Europe mourns together with Greece and Denmark.
