Cyprus is set to receive €9.2 million from the EU Solidarity Fund to help repair damage caused by the devastating wildfires of July 2025, under a wider European Commission proposal covering three member states. The funding forms part of a €144 million package for Cyprus, Spain and Romania, all of which were hit by major climate-related disasters last year.
According to the Commission, Cyprus faced two destructive wildfires in July 2025, mainly in the Limassol and Paphos districts. In addition to residents being forced to leave their homes, two people lost their lives and almost 900 private homes were destroyed, while schools and healthcare facilities had to scale back services.
The EU funding will support the restoration of energy, water, sewerage, telecommunications and transport infrastructure. Cyprus has already received an advance payment of €2.3 million.
Spain is expected to receive the largest share of the package, with €120.4 million proposed after it was hit in 2025 by prolonged drought, heatwaves and three major wildfires. The most destructive fire broke out on 8 August, claiming eight lives and forcing mass evacuations. The amount includes an advance payment of more than €30 million already granted. The Spanish allocation will cover the restoration of water, sewerage, telecommunications, education, transport and cultural heritage infrastructure, as well as temporary accommodation and emergency rescue services.
Romania, which was affected by severe flooding in May and June 2025 in the Centre, South-Muntenia and North-East regions, is set to receive €14.3 million. The Commission highlighted serious damage at the Praid salt mine, where water from the Corund river eroded part of the riverbed, damaging hydrotechnical infrastructure and causing extensive power outages.
The proposed amounts must be approved by the European Parliament and the Council before they are paid out in a single instalment to each member state.
“2025 was marked by the worst wildfires ever recorded, affecting Cyprus and Spain among others, while floods in Romania caused damage that will take years to repair. When disaster strikes, European citizens must know that solidarity is not just a word. Today we are proposing the mobilisation of €144 million to stand by our citizens when they need it most,” said Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President of the Commission responsible for Cohesion and Reforms.
The EU Solidarity Fund was established in 2002 and has since provided more than €10 billion for 147 disasters, including 127 natural disasters and 20 public health emergencies, across 25 member states and six candidate countries. Following what the Commission described as the most destructive wildfire season on record, it presented in March 2026 a comprehensive approach to wildfire risk management. The fund forms part of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve, a special instrument operating outside the normal spending limits of the EU budget.
Source: CNA
