CyprusManşet

EU bolsters Cyprus’ firefighting capacity for warmer-than-average summer

The European Commission will provide Cyprus with two light aircraft to bolster its firefighting capabilities this summer, as forecasts predict hotter-than-average temperatures in the Southeastern Mediterranean region, raising wildfire risks.

Zacharias Yiakoumis, Head of Communication for the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), announced the support during a press briefing.

The aircraft, Air Tractor models, will be leased by Cyprus with the EU covering costs through the RescEU mechanism, similar to last year.

The leasing covers June 15 to October 30, with deployment to other EU countries possible if needed.

RescEU activations have surged in recent years, exceeding 100 annually since 2019 compared to a pre-2019 average of 20. Cyprus has activated the mechanism eight times since 2016 while offering assistance sixteen times, including non-EU countries like Canada.

Wildfires ravaged an estimated 500 million hectares globally in 2023, a 32% increase from the 2006-2022 average. Greece, Spain, and Italy bore the brunt, with Greece alone losing 175,000 hectares. Notably, Germany requested wildfire assistance for the first time last year.

While RescEU aerial support rises from 13 in 2022 to 28 this year (24 aircraft, 4 helicopters), the focus remains on bolstering firefighting personnel. France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain will receive additional firefighters for the third consecutive summer, with roughly 200-240 personnel stationed in Greece.

These reinforcements hail from Slovakia, Italy, Romania, and ten other EU countries. (in cyprus)

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