European Firefighting Center to Open in Paphos

A European center for combating wildfires will be established in Cyprus, serving as a regional hub for Eastern Mediterranean countries. Its official opening is scheduled for April 23–24 in Paphos during an informal EU summit under the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The European Commission initiative aims to strengthen Europe's preparedness for wildfires. The new center will serve both operational and educational functions, providing a platform for specialist training, exercises, and knowledge exchange.

According to the EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, the project is being implemented through joint financing: Cyprus is responsible for the infrastructure, while the EU supports training, preparation, and the exchange of best practices via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).

The creation of the center follows the increasing threat of wildfires in Europe. In 2025, one of the most severe fire seasons was recorded—over one million hectares burned, an area larger than the entire island of Cyprus.

The new European firefighting strategy is based on four pillars: prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery. As part of this policy, the EU is also expanding the rescEU aerial fleet by adding new firefighting aircraft and helicopters.