The European Commission has proposed the allocation of €9.2 million from the EU Solidarity Fund (EUSF) to Cyprus for its recovery from two catastrophic wildfires that struck the island in July 2025, primarily in the Limassol and Paphos regions.
Many residents were displaced, two lives were lost, and nearly 900 private properties were destroyed. Schools and healthcare facilities were also forced to reduce their services, the Commission said, adding that the funds will go towards restoring energy, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and transport infrastructure. Cyprus has already received an advance payment of €2.3 million.
The proposal is part of a broader €144 million package for Spain, Romania, and Cyprus combined, announced on 18 May on behalf of the EU executive.
"When disaster strikes, Europeans need to know that solidarity is more than a word. Today we are proposing to mobilise €144 million, to stand by our citizens when they need it most," said Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto.
Established in 2002, the EU Solidarity Fund has provided over €10 billion in assistance for 147 disaster events across 25 member states and six accession countries. It forms part of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve, a special instrument operating outside the normal expenditure ceilings of the EU budget. Its mobilisation requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
(Source: CNA)
