Cyprus is set to receive €9.2 million from the EU Solidarity Fund under a wider European Commission proposal worth €144 million for member states hit by climate-related disasters in 2025.
The EU wildfire aid package covers Cyprus, Spain and Romania following severe wildfires, droughts and floods recorded last year.
According to the European Commission, Cyprus suffered two destructive wildfires in July 2025, mainly affecting the Limassol and Paphos districts.
The fires forced residents to evacuate their homes, claimed two lives and destroyed almost 900 private homes. Schools and healthcare facilities also scaled back services because of the damage caused.
The proposed EU wildfire aid will support the restoration of energy, water, sewerage, telecommunications and transport infrastructure across affected areas.
Cyprus has already received an advance payment of €2.3 million from the fund.
Spain and Romania included in package
Spain is expected to receive the largest share of the package, with €120.4 million proposed after prolonged drought, heatwaves and three major wildfires struck the country in 2025.
The deadliest wildfire broke out on 8 August, killing eight people and forcing mass evacuations. Spain has already received more than €30 million in advance payments.
The funding will help restore water, sewerage, telecommunications, education, transport and cultural heritage infrastructure, while also covering temporary accommodation and emergency rescue services.
Romania is set to receive €14.3 million after severe flooding affected the Centre, South-Muntenia and North-East regions in May and June 2025.
The Commission highlighted major damage at the Praid salt mine, where erosion caused by the Corund river damaged infrastructure and triggered widespread power outages.
Approval still required
The proposed allocations must still receive approval from the European Parliament and the Council before the funds are paid in a single instalment to each member state.
Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reforms, said 2025 was marked by the worst wildfires ever recorded in Europe.
“When disaster strikes, European citizens must know that solidarity is not just a word. Today we are proposing the mobilisation of €144 million to stand by our citizens when they need it most,” he said.
The EU Solidarity Fund was established in 2002 and has provided more than €10 billion for 147 disasters across Europe, including natural disasters and public health emergencies.
In March 2026, the Commission also presented a broader wildfire risk management strategy following what it described as the most destructive wildfire season on record.
Also read: Forest fire warning issued over illegal fires
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