European Commission approves advance payment
The European Commission announced on 6 December 2025 the approval of a €2.3 million advance payment from the EU Solidarity Fund to Cyprus to help recovery from the destructive July 2025 fires in Limassol and Paphos districts.
Executive Vice-President for Regional Policy Raffaele Fitto stated on X that the support covers emergency operations, infrastructure, housing and restoration work.
🇪🇺🇨🇾La @EU_Commission ha approvato un anticipo di 2,3 milioni di euro dal Fondo di Solidarietà dell’UE per sostenere #Cipro dopo gli incendi di luglio a #Limassol e #Pafo.
— Raffaele Fitto (@RaffaeleFitto) December 6, 2025
Un aiuto concreto per operazioni di emergenza, infrastrutture, alloggi e interventi di ripristino. #EUSF
🇬🇧… pic.twitter.com/woZ3f5Iwpk
Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna welcomed the decision, saying it turns European solidarity into action. She noted that Cyprus submitted the application on 14 October 2025 – within the 12-week deadline – and that the swift approval confirms the government’s prompt and well-documented actions.
Timeline of the application
- 24 July 2025: First contact between Raouna and the offices of the Commission President and DG REGIO
- 30 July: Cabinet formally tasked Raouna with political coordination
- 4–7 August: Inter-ministerial meetings and videoconference with DG REGIO
- 14 October: Formal application submitted
The 2025 eligibility threshold for Cyprus, based on 2023 Gross National Income, stands at €170 million – significantly higher than previous years due to economic growth.
Previous applications
Cyprus has successfully received EU Solidarity Fund aid only twice before:
- 2008 (drought) – €7.6 million granted
- 2016 (drought and Troodos fires) – €7.3 million granted
Four previous applications were rejected:
- 2007 (Saittas fire) – damage below threshold
- 2011 (Mari explosion) – damages mostly insured/not eligible
- 2018 (drought) – future desalination costs deemed ineligible
- 2021 (Arakapas fire) – direct damage below activation threshold
The final amount for the 2025 fires will be decided by the European Parliament and Council after full assessment, expected within 6–12 months.
Source: Philenews
Featured photo: Euronews Greece (Petros Karadjias/Copyright 2025)
Also read: Cigarette blamed for deadly July wildfire in Limassol
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