EU Funds Air Tractor Leases for Cyprus Firefighting

Enhanced Firefighting Support for Cyprus Through RescEU

As the Southeastern Mediterranean region braces for a summer with hotter-than-average temperatures, the European Commission has stepped in to fortify Cyprus’s firefighting capabilities. Zacharias Yiakoumis, Head of Communication for the EU’s Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), disclosed during a press briefing that Cyprus will receive two light aircraft to combat the anticipated increase in wildfire risks.

The Air Tractor models will be leased by Cyprus, with costs covered by the EU through the RescEU mechanism, echoing the support provided last year. The lease period extends from June 15 to October 30, and these aircraft may also be deployed to other EU countries as required.

Recent years have seen a dramatic rise in RescEU activations, with more than 100 calls for assistance annually since 2019—a significant jump from the average of 20 before that year. Cyprus itself has called upon the mechanism eight times since 2016 and has reciprocated by offering assistance sixteen times, extending its help beyond EU borders to nations such as Canada.

The urgency for enhanced firefighting capabilities is underscored by the alarming statistics of wildfires worldwide. In 2023, an estimated 500 million hectares were affected—a 32% increase from the average recorded between 2006 and 2022. Countries like Greece, Spain, and Italy have been particularly hard hit, with Greece suffering the loss of 175,000 hectares. Notably, Germany found itself requesting wildfire assistance for the first time in history last year.

While the number of aerial supports under RescEU is set to increase from 13 in 2022 to 28 this year, including 24 aircraft and 4 helicopters, there is also a concerted effort to strengthen firefighting personnel on the ground. For the third summer in a row, France, Greece, Portugal, and Spain are slated to receive additional firefighters. Approximately 200-240 personnel will be stationed in Greece alone, with contributions coming from Slovakia, Italy, Romania, and ten other EU member states.

The collective European response underscores a commitment to proactive disaster management and solidarity among member states in facing the growing challenge of wildfire risks.