The European Commission has announced that it has paid an advance of €2.3 million to Cyprus, supporting the launch of recovery works following the July 2025 wildfires.
It also noted the completion of the €108 million disbursement from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Austria and Poland for the restoration of damage caused by the devastating floods of autumn 2024.
The advance to Cyprus covers damage sustained by school facilities, healthcare establishments and other critical infrastructure in the Limassol and Paphos districts. The Cypriot government submitted its formal request for EUSF assistance in October 2025. After assessing the application, the Commission will move forward with a mobilisation proposal to the European Parliament and the Council, with the final aid amount to be determined thereafter. The Commission noted that the advance already granted does not prejudge the final level of support.
Meanwhile, Austria received €32 million, in addition to the €10 million advance approved in Aprilμ while Poland received €76 million. These decisions followed approvals by the European Parliament and the Council, based on the applications submitted by the two countries.
The floods that hit Central and Eastern Europe in September and October 2024 caused extensive damage to transport networks, water and wastewater systems, as well as safety-related infrastructure. The EUSF allows emergency and recovery operations to be financed retroactively from the first day of the disaster.
(Source: CNA)
