Nicosia: The Council of Ministers has approved a proposal for the development of a National Civil Protection Mechanism and the enhancement of the Civil Defence Force’s responsibilities. The decision, announced by Minister of the Interior Konstantinos Ioannou following the ministerial meeting, includes the transformation of the Civil Defence Force into a General Civil Protection Administration.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the decisions align with the 2023 priorities set by the President of the Republic to modernize state operations. The initiative aims to reform the national framework for emergency management and crisis response, enhancing the ability to address both natural and man-made disasters. The framework will also foster cooperation among all related bodies.
Minister Ioannou emphasized a holistic approach with clear procedures and responsibilities to optimize the operational capabilities of the Republic of Cyprus. He highlighted that the Civil Defence Force, as the primary coordinator of the National Mechanism, is to be reorganized into a General Directorate of Civil Protection.
The transformation involves the upgrading and modernizing of the Force and the development of necessary tools to meet the increased responsibilities within the National Mechanism. The General Directorate’s responsibilities will encompass crisis and risk management, monitoring critical entities, managing the National Database, training, and coordinating volunteers.
Critical entities under the General Directorate will include the Police and Fire Departments. Additionally, the introduction of a National Coordinator was decided to unify all involved bodies. This role will report to the Ministerial Crisis Management Group on the overall situation.
Responding to inquiries, Ioannou stated that the National Coordinator will be appointed by the Minister of the Interior and could be either the Director of Civil Defence or another designated individual.