Nicosia: The participation of the Republic of Cyprus' Ground Forest Fire Fighting Module in the European civil protection exercise PT EU MODEX 2026, which took place in the Viseu Do Lafµes region of Portugal between 5-8 May 2026 as part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism, was completed with 'absolute success', the Department of Forests said in a press release.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Republic of Cyprus Ground Forest Fire Fighting Module (CY GFFF) is the first team from the Republic of Cyprus to enter the European Commission's certification process. This certification makes them eligible for deployment in providing international assistance in cases of major forest fires, following a request from another state through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The team consists of a total of 45 members, including 16 from the Department of Forests, 13 from the Fire Service, 9 from Civil Defence, and 7 from the Ambulance Service.
The Ground Forest Fire Fighting Module is coordinated by the Department of Forests, which is the competent authority responsible for combating forest fires in the Republic. The Department of Forests is responsible for the certification process of the Module and for its subsequent operational readiness, activation, and response, whenever and if requested through the Mechanism.
According to the press release, more than 700 members of international missions from Portugal, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, and Cyprus participated in the exercise, 'strengthening European cooperation in tackling major forest fires and emergency situations'.
During the exercise, teams from various European countries collaborated on complex large-scale scenarios aimed at enhancing interoperability, coordination, and the exchange of expertise under real operational conditions.
'Our participation was a great honour and an important experience, highlighting the professionalism, dedication, and operational capability of the personnel of the Republic of Cyprus at European level,' the Department of Forests said, expressing gratitude to all mission members 'for their dedication, discipline, professionalism, and excellent representation of the Republic of Cyprus throughout the exercise'.