Limassol: Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna welcomed on behalf of the Government the European Commission’s announcement approving the Republic of Cyprus’ application and granting a pound 2.3 million advance from the EU Solidarity Fund, for the devastating July 2025 wildfires in Limassol and Paphos. ‘With today’s decision, the European Commission offers tangible support to the Republic of Cyprus, turning European solidarity into action,’ she said in a written statement.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the application to the Solidarity Fund was submitted on 14 October 2025 under the provisions of the relevant Regulation, and its approval ‘constitutes a clear confirmation that the Government’s actions were immediate, well-documented and in line with the prescribed European procedures.’
The Deputy Minister noted that from the very first moment after the fires in Limassol and Paphos, the entire state mechanism was activated so that affected residents could receive immediate and substantial assistance and support. At the same time, she added, all necessary procedures for securing European support were advanced in accordance with the Regulation governing the EU Solidarity Fund.
‘The European Commission’s decision is a tangible recognition of the effectiveness of the efforts undertaken by the Republic of Cyprus,’ she said. Raouna also reminded that preparation of the application followed a series of contacts and consultations beginning on 24 July, including communication with the office of the President of the European Commission and the Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, to determine the first steps and procedures for submitting the request.
She said that after she officially assumed political coordination of the application by Cabinet decision on 30 July, an action unit was created for the coordination and preparation of the submission. This was followed by coordination meetings with all competent authorities and further consultations with DG REGIO for guidance and clarifications. ‘The successful completion of the process was the result of close cooperation and coordination among state services and bodies,’ she noted, expressing warm thanks to all Ministries, services and officials who worked swiftly and effectively toward the timely submission.