Filenews 13 December 2025 - by Angelos Nikolaou
In a significant development, Cyprus received financial support from the European Union Solidarity Fund (EUSF) for the first time, signalling Europe's practical solidarity with the country affected by the devastating forest fires of July 2025. The European Commission has granted an advance payment of €2.3 million in Cyprus, as first aid to restart recovery efforts after the extensive damage caused by the fires, mainly in the districts of Limassol and Paphos, on 23 July. Cyprus applied for aid in October 2025 to repair damage to schools, health institutions and other infrastructure. The final amount of the aid is expected to be determined after the Commission's assessment of the application, which will submit a proposal to the European Parliament and the Council.
The total cost of compensation and restoration of the damage from the July fires in the Limassol district, according to official data, exceeds €120 million. The damages concern buildings, businesses, agricultural crops and equipment, highlighting the magnitude of the disaster.
After the catastrophic fire, immediate payment of financial support was granted to the Community Councils to cover emergencies, while the additional needs will be covered in consultation with the communities.
All recorded cases of one-off financial support to 286 households, totalling €2.2 million, were paid.(€10,000 per family for total destruction + €2,000 per dependent child and €5,000 per family for partial destruction + €1,000 per dependent child). Owners of holiday homes are not entitled to the lump sum.
The temporary housing arrangement has been completed, with those affected having returned to their homes or found permanent housing.
The first quarter of rent subsidy was paid to 128 families, as well as the second instalment to 70 families (€800/month + €200 for each dependent per family for permanent residence with total destruction, with a maximum duration of 24 months). For partial destruction of a permanent residence that has become uninhabitable, the maximum duration of the rent subsidy is six months, while for tenants of affected houses the maximum duration is three months.
Psychosocial support continues and financial assistance was given to 189 families to cover emergencies.
Restoration of properties and infrastructure – 870 applications submitted
736 cases have been recorded (575 residences, 100 warehouses, 61 non-premises), of which 305 were permanent residences (101 completely and 204 partially destroyed). In addition, 104 holiday homes were recorded (51 completely and 53 partially), 28 rented, 96 listed and 25 abandoned.
The examination of 134 applications submitted late is pending and in the coming days the lump sum will be given for those cases that fall under the criteria.
For uninsured houses with a complete destruction, financial support will be granted for full restoration at current market prices.
Payment is made in instalments (25% with the application, 25% with the designer's statement, 50% with the completion of 50% of the works) for licensed residences.
The restoration of electricity (replacement of 1,209 piles and 69 transformers) and the restoration of the water supply have been completed. To replace burnt pipelines, a 100-kilometer overhead network was built.
The works to deal with hazardous areas for rockfalls on the road network have been completed and suggestions have been made to the competent departments for the containment and protection measures (depending on the responsibility for the management of the road network).
Support for farmers and businesses
The immediate assistance of farmers and livestock breeders has been completed, covering 100% of the loss of income for one year.
Extraordinary special Plans have been implemented for the reactivation and restoration of infrastructure, equipment and crops, with compensations reaching up to 80% or 65% of the eligible costs, paid in instalments (30% advance payment).
The process of paying monthly compensation (until 31/10/2025) for employees and self-employed persons who were affected, covering 60 employees and 29 self-employed, has been completed.
The payment of a one-time aid of €1,000/bed to 27 tourist accommodations within traditional buildings has been completed, with a total expenditure of €136,000.
Environmental remediation
60 points have been identified in the streams for flood protection projects, with the most dangerous points already completed. The management of wild vegetation and restoration is being prepared, with tree plantings planned within the planting season (November-February) based on mapping using satellite data. Wildlife management is underway, with repair and installation of artificial watering troughs. The Ministry of Agriculture, through the Department of Agriculture, has proceeded with the implementation of three actions with a total expenditure of up to €23,500,000 to support fire-affected farmers and livestock breeders, based on a decision of the Council of Ministers of July 30, 2025.
