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The European Union is moving ahead with a new regional firefighting initiative in Cyprus, with officials confirming that a base in Paphos will be ready in time for the 2026 summer wildfire period.
Dubravka Šuica, representing the European Commission, announced that the project is entering its implementation phase as part of the Mediterranean Pact. This follows a long period of consultation involving governments, civil groups, businesses, researchers, and young people across the region.
The plan, presented in spring 2026, introduces 21 initial measures designed to turn policy into concrete action. One of the central components is the creation of a firefighting hub in Paphos, which will function as a coordination and response center for wildfires.
Although the official opening ceremony has been slightly postponed due to scheduling issues, the facility is expected to begin operating within weeks. Even if it does not reach full capacity immediately, it will still be active during the upcoming fire season.
The hub is part of the Pact’s focus on safety and emergency preparedness. It brings together several EU countries, including Spain, France, and Lithuania, along with regional partners such as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria. The aim is to strengthen cooperation across borders and improve the collective response to wildfires.
Šuica explained that the initiative reflects lessons learned from recent fire seasons, when severe blazes affected parts of the Middle East, North Africa, and Cyprus. Because of this experience, authorities are prioritizing early deployment rather than waiting for the full system to be completed.
Initial operations will be introduced step by step. The first stage is expected to include four leased firefighting aircraft stationed in Paphos, with funding already secured for most of them. Over time, both equipment and personnel will increase as participating countries contribute resources.
Officials also stress that the hub is more than a collection of aircraft. It is designed as a coordinated system that includes training, shared expertise, data exchange, and joint operational planning. This structure is intended to improve readiness and allow faster, more effective responses to fires across the Mediterranean region.
