Strasbourg: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the intention to establish a new European firefighting hub based in Cyprus during her State of the Union address on Wednesday, at the European Parliament Plenary in Strasbourg, France.
According to Cyprus News Agency, Von der Leyen referred to the devastating wildfires that struck Europe in the summer of 2025. She highlighted that over a million hectares were burned, an area approximately a third of the size of Belgium. She emphasized that these incidents are not isolated, as climate change continues to make summers hotter, harsher, and more dangerous.
Von der Leyen stressed the urgent need to enhance Europe’s efforts in climate resilience and adaptation. She announced the creation of the new European firefighting hub in Cyprus, which could also support regional neighbors.
Finally, she underscored the importance of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, noting that 760 Europeans were deployed to various parts of Europe during the summer to combat fires. Among those present in the European Parliament was Lieutenant Nikolaos Paisios, leader of the Greek firefighter forest rangers who played a crucial role in extinguishing fires in the Asturias region of Spain, saving the village of Genestoso, and who received warm applause from the MEPs.