THE EUROPEAN FIRE FIGHTING CENTRE IN PAPHOS - Pafos Live 18/4
The first package of 21 actions from the Pact for the Mediterranean was presented by the Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, marking the transition from planning to the implementation of specific initiatives, including the European Firefighting Centre, based in Paphos, which is expected to be inaugurated in the coming weeks, while it was underlined that it will be operational during the summer 2026 fire season, even without maximum capacity.
According to the Commission, the Spring 2026 Action Plan presented on Friday to member states and the states of the southern Mediterranean neighbourhood, is the main tool for promoting the Pact, which has been shaped through extensive and participatory consultation with governments, civil society, young people, businesses and the research community across the Mediterranean.
The action concerning the Firefighting Center is part of the third pillar of the Pact on Safety and Preparedness, and is promoted by the Commission as a typical example of the "practical approach" of the Pact. In addition to Cyprus, Spain, France and Lithuania will participate in the Hub from the EU member states, while from the countries of the Southern Mediterranean, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria will participate, according to what became known on Friday in Brussels. "We are inaugurating a firefighting hub in Cyprus, a regional centre to strengthen preparedness and response to disasters," said Commissioner Šuica, while pointing out that "for the first time it will also offer support to the countries of the southern Mediterranean".
Answering a question from CNA specifically about the schedule and operation of the project, the Commissioner clarified that the delay in the official opening is a technical issue on the agenda of the informal Summit: "The only reason it will not be inaugurated next week is purely accounting", while clarifying that the official ceremony should be expected in about four weeks. At the same time, he hastened to emphasize the importance of the project, describing it as "really important for the Mediterranean and for the security of the region".
