EU mobilizes aid to fight forest fires in Cyprus

Following a request for assistance from Cyprus through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Greece has sent two firefighting planes to help fight wildfires in the Paphos region. This is the first use of the mechanism during this wildfire season this year. In total, as part of preparedness measures for the forest fire season, the EU has established a fleet of 32 aerial firefighting assets and 556 firefighters, pre-positioned across Europe. In addition, the EU is currently supporting eight forest fire prevention projects, strengthening national forest fire resilience capacities.

Commissioner Janez Lenarcic said: “I thank Greece for its quick response to assisting Cyprus in fighting the forest fires in the Paphos region by deploying two firefighting aircraft. This is EU solidarity in practice. »

The EU Emergency Response Coordination Center is closely monitoring the situation and stands ready to provide additional assistance upon request.