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  • Cyprus MEPs Express Disappointment Over EU’s Wildfire Response

    Cyprus MEPs Express Disappointment Over EU’s Wildfire Response

    Cyprus MEPs have voiced their frustration, feeling ‘abandoned’ by the EU following the devastating wildfire in Limassol that resulted in two fatalities in July.

    • Cyprus MEPs have voiced their frustration, feeling ‘abandoned’ by the EU following the devastating wildfire in Limassol that resulted in two fatalities in July.
    • Despite expressing gratitude for any assistance received, Panayiotou emphasised that it was insufficient, stating, “You were not in Cyprus when we needed you the most, and this needs to change.”

    During a session in Strasbourg, Cypriot representatives called for enhanced support from the European Union to combat future wildfires. Akel’s Giorgos Georgiou was the first to address the chamber, criticising European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadjia Lahbib, for her speech. He highlighted the inadequate response to the wildfires, stating, “I heard you use the word ‘shall’ 10 times and the word ‘must’ 20 times in your speech.”

    Georgiou pointed out that Cyprus led Europe in the proportion of territory burned over the past decade, with 104 square kilometres lost. This, he claimed, underscored the need for urgent EU assistance, particularly regarding the two firefighting planes requested from Spain that had yet to arrive after three months.

    While acknowledging the Cypriot government’s significant responsibility for the wildfires, Georgiou noted that no ministers had resigned in response to the disaster. He contended that the EU also bore blame, stating, “Since 2016, we, the Left group, have been calling for a European air firefighting base to be established in Cyprus. You are outrageously ignoring us.”

    Geadi Geadi of Elam echoed these sentiments, critiquing the rescEU mechanism, which he argued had left countries like Cyprus vulnerable. He proposed the establishment of a robust pan-European fire brigade and stricter penalties for arsonists, alongside increased funding for wildfire victims.

    In a pointed exchange, French MEP Gregory Allione questioned Geadi’s call for more funding for a mechanism he deemed ineffective, prompting Geadi to clarify that his experience at the Limassol fire scene revealed substantial gaps in the current system.

    Independent MEP Fidias Panayiotou added to the criticism, stating, “The European Union did almost nothing to help us,” noting that assistance from non-EU countries such as Jordan and Israel had been more forthcoming than aid from EU member states. He lamented, “This is not a good look for the European Union, and us Cypriots feel abandoned by the EU.”

    Despite expressing gratitude for any assistance received, Panayiotou emphasised that it was insufficient, stating, “You were not in Cyprus when we needed you the most, and this needs to change.”

    Disy’s Michalis Hadjipantela concluded the Cypriot addresses by stressing the ongoing impact of climate change on the island. He asserted that the EU must go beyond mere sympathy, advocating for tangible actions to fortify the rescEU mechanism and better prepare for future incidents. Earlier in the summer, he had called for the EU to station firefighting aircraft in Cyprus.

  • Cypriot MEPs Criticise EU for Inaction During Limassol Wildfire Tragedy

    Cypriot MEPs Criticise EU for Inaction During Limassol Wildfire Tragedy

    limassol wildfire — Cypriot MEPs have sharply criticised the European Union for its perceived inaction during the devastating Limassol wildfire that claimed two lives and destroyed hundreds of homes in July. The wildfire, which ravaged over 120 square kilometres of land, highlighted the urgent need for improved fire prevention measures across Europe.

    In a heated debate, MEPs Giorgos Georgiou, Michalis Hadjipantela, Geadis Geadi, and Fidias Panayiotou voiced their frustrations over the EU’s failure to provide timely and effective support during a fire season that has been described as record-breaking. Over one million hectares of land have burned across Europe this year, an area larger than Cyprus and significantly higher than the 20-year average.

    Georgiou, representing the AKEL party, pointed out that Cyprus holds the “negative record of the decade,” noting the extensive destruction relative to its total territory. He did not shy away from criticising the Cypriot government for its lack of accountability, stating, “not even resignations of responsible ministers were seen.”

    His call for action included a demand for the establishment of a European aerial firefighting base, which he believes would benefit both Cyprus and neighbouring countries. “You ignore us demonstratively,” Georgiou lamented, urging that funding be shifted from military expenditures to public safety initiatives.

    Hadjipantela, a member of the ruling DISY party, echoed these sentiments, asserting that mere expressions of sympathy from the EU are insufficient. “The European Union cannot consider it has done its duty with a few words of sympathy. We don’t need sympathy. We need actions,” he declared. He warned that if similar disasters occur without a robust response plan, the EU would bear responsibility for the consequences.

    During the parliamentary session, Hadjipantela confirmed that Cyprus is eligible to seek compensation from the European Commission’s Solidarity Fund within 12 weeks following the wildfire. “We officially informed the government about this matter,” he stated, emphasising the need for swift action to secure financial support.

    Further highlighting the sense of abandonment felt by Cypriots, Geadi of ELAM acknowledged the assistance received from countries like Italy and Israel. He expressed gratitude for the support, particularly the firefighting aircraft sent by Israel.

    Independent MEP Panayiotou remarked on the irony that Cyprus received “more help from third countries – Georgia, Egypt, Israel, Lebanon – instead of European Union countries.” His comments reflected a broader sentiment among the Cypriot public, who feel let down by their European partners during a time of crisis.

    The current fire season has already set records since statistics began in 2006, with several European nations, including Cyprus, exceeding their twenty-year averages for wildfire damage. Tragically, at least eight people have lost their lives across the affected regions.