The EU Solidarity Fund approved €9.21 million by Members of the European Parliament’s Budget Committee (BUDG), aimed at supporting recovery efforts following the 2025 wildfires in Cyprus.
The decision forms part of a wider €144.1 million mobilisation of the EU Solidarity Fund for Cyprus, Romania and Spain after severe natural disasters in 2025.
Breakdown of EU support
According to the European Parliament, €9.21 million has been allocated to Cyprus, €14.34 million to Romania for flooding, and €120.55 million to Spain for devastating wildfires linked to prolonged drought and heatwaves.
The BUDG Committee approved the proposal with 31 votes in favour, with no votes against or abstentions.
Impact of wildfires in Cyprus
The EU Solidarity Fund support to Cyprus follows two major wildfires that broke out in July 2025, affecting the Limassol and Paphos districts.
The fires caused significant damage, including the displacement of residents, the death of two people, and the destruction of nearly 900 private properties. Essential services such as education and healthcare were also disrupted in affected areas.
Pre-financing already provided
Cyprus had already received a €2.3 million advance payment for immediate recovery needs. Spain also received advance funding of €30 million.
Final allocations were calculated by the European Commission based on reported damage assessments and EU Solidarity Fund rules.
Wider European disasters
In Romania, the funding relates to severe flooding in May and June 2025, including damage to infrastructure such as the Praid salt mine. In Spain, wildfires caused widespread evacuations and eight fatalities amid extreme weather conditions.
Call for stronger prevention measures
European lawmakers highlighted the increasing frequency of extreme natural disasters across Europe, urging stronger investment in climate adaptation and prevention measures to reduce human and economic losses.
Next steps in approval process
The EU Solidarity Fund package for Cyprus still requires approval from the European Parliament’s plenary and the Council of the EU. A final vote is expected in July, after which payments will be disbursed in a single instalment.
The fund has provided more than €10 billion since 2002, supporting 147 disaster events across EU member states and candidate countries.
The report was drafted by Polish MEP Bogdan Rzońca (ECR), with Cypriot MEP Michalis Hadjipantela of the European People’s Party serving as shadow rapporteur.
Also read: Restoration of wildfire-affected areas in Troodos villages underway
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
