Filenews 14 September 2021
The creation of a Rapid Fire Intervention Force, based in Cyprus, was jointly requested by the Cypriot MEPs, Lefteris Christoforou (DISY, EPP) and Giorgos Georgiou (AKEL, Left Group) from the floor of the Plenum of the European Parliament.
The position of the two Cypriot MEPs took place during the debate on the natural disasters and in particular the devastating fires that hit the Old Continent in connection with climate change.
In his speech, Lefteris Christoforou referred to the devastating floods and the devastating fires experienced by the countries of the South, including Cyprus.
"I would like to stress that my homeland, Cyprus, was severely tested because of the deadly and devastating fires, leaving behind huge consequences," he said, calling on the EU "immediately to assist and support all those affected by the fires."
Expressing his full support to all countries and European citizens who are suffering the consequences of climate change, the DISY MEP said that "this is the time when the EU must put its finger 'on the sore spot' and immediately take decisive action".
"I believe the EU can create an Emergency Fire Intervention Force that can effectively and immediately be located where fires occur and thus will help to effectively extinguish fires, especially in the countries of the South," he said. He added that Cyprus is ideal to be the base of the European Rapid Intervention Fire Brigade and can cover a large radius since it is the most remote point of the EU.
Finally, it called on the EU to further strengthen the Solidarity Fund for full compensation for those affected and to undertake the full rehabilitation of the burnt areas.
For his part, Giorgos Georgiou said that the danger of climate change can no longer be ignored. Roads turn into rivers, houses are flooded, fires burn priceless forest land. "And this summer we have experienced, in Europe, images of biblical destruction."
According to the Left-wing Group MEP in the European Parliament, the Resc-EU mechanism has proved that not only can it not respond adequately, but it perpetuates the shortcomings of EU countries by recycling 'lacking resources'. "In my homeland, Cyprus, there has not been a rapid response, as there are huge shortages of firefighting equipment, infrastructure and personnel both in my country and in the other member states," he added.
The tragic consequences of the destruction of the environment and the cuts in funds directly related to the quality of life of the people have been reaffirmed, he added.
Mr Georgiou also said that as natural disasters are constantly increasing in number and intensity, the EU must immediately strengthen the means of solidarity to deal with them.
"To this end, we call for the immediate creation of a European Air Firefighting Base in Cyprus", he said and concluded: "Even if it is the last one, we call on the Commission to take the necessary measures for the rapid mobilization of substantial support to those affected, as well as to ensure the necessary resources for the sustainability of the Solidarity Fund."
CNA
