Category: Cyprus News Agency

Cyprus Minister of Foreign Affairs, Constantinos Kombos, held on Monday phone conversations with his counterparts of Lebanon and Bahrain with whom he discussed the regional developments and reiterated Cyprus support for de-escalation and stability in the region.

Kombos posted on X that he spoke with Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Youssef Raji on the latest regional developments, including the US-brokered framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel.

”Effective implementation can sustain de-escalation, restore security, and enable Lebanon’s state institutions to fully exercise their authority throughout the country”, he said. The Minister added that full respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity by all actors is essential, adding that Cyprus remains committed to advancing peace, security and stability across our region.

In the phone conversation with his Bahraini counterpart, Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Kombos focused on ongoing regional developments, also in the context of Bahrain’s Presidency of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU.

”I reiterated Cyprus’ support for Bahrain, while the need for lasting de-escalation, diplomacy and dialogue to safeguard regional stability and security was underscored,” he posted on X.

The Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation met last week with The Institute for Standardization of Montenegro (ISME) to further strengthen cooperation under the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations.

The meeting took place on Friday on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting of the European Standardisation Organisations CEN and CENELEC, hosted by CYS in Cyprus during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

According to a CYS statement, during the discussions the two organisations exchanged views and explored cooperation opportunities on matters of common interest, such as information and communication technologies (ICT) with emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and cyber security; the development of new national annexes to the next generation of Eurocodes; the potential upcoming harmonisation of the concrete standard; facility management and digital transformation; tourism; and Building Information Modelling (BIM).

The meeting confirmed the two organisations’ willingness to further strengthen their cooperation and to promote the exchange of expertise for the benefit of standardisation at national and European levels, the statement concluded.

President Nikos Christodoulides held Monday a first meeting with the members of the MITIS Council of Scientists, the new Government think tank, pointing out that integrating scientific thinking into policy-making is a necessity.

The President, according to a written statement by Deputy Minister to the President, Irene Pikis, told the members that Cyprus has to manage a series of challenges, in a period in which geopolitical pressures in the wider region. He referred to the impacts of climate change on water and energy; he spoke about digital transformation and AI.

He went on to say that integrating scientific thinking into policy-making is not simply a choice, but a strategic necessity and this necessity led to the establishment of MITIS.

Pikis in her written statement noted that today’s opening session marks the launching of a new institutional tool, through which the Government seeks to utilize the knowledge and experience of distinguished scientists, academics and personalities of international prestige, in areas of critical importance for Cyprus’ resilience.

MITIS was founded following a decision by the Cabinet. Its members are Marina Theodotou, Max Nikias, Theodoros Evgeniou, Panagiota Kendeou, Loizos Loizos, George Boustras, Andreas Theofanous, Dragan Savic, Charalambos Constantinou and Achilleas Emilianides, who participates as an ex officio member in his capacity as President of the Cyprus Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts.

Pikis said that the of the members of the Council will focus on critical issues that directly affect the present and future of the country, such as climate change, water, energy, institutions, defense, digital transition, education, health, natural disasters and the economy.

Its mission is to produce scientific knowledge and evidence-based policy proposals within the framework of strategic foresight, a modern international practice that allows governments to detect trends, risks and opportunities in a timely manner, to plan for the future and to respond effectively in an environment of increasing uncertainty.

The Strategic Analysis and Forecasting Unit, which has been established in the Secretariat for Coordination and Support of Government Work at the Presidency, under the political supervision of the Deputy Minister to the President, has undertaken the administrative support of MITIS.

The first session of the Council concluded with an exchange of views on the priorities and the first thematic areas of work, with the aim of producing specific recommendations that will contribute to the modernization of governance and the strengthening of the resilience of the country.

The European University Cyprus (EUC) has achieved “a major international distinction in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, reaffirming its position among the world’s leading universities making a measurable impact through education, research, healthcare, innovation, and community engagement.”

According to a press release by the EUC, the University’s “most remarkable achievement comes in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, where European University Cyprus is ranked 55th in the world, representing one of the highest international distinctions ever achieved by a Cypriot university in this field and the highest-ranked university in Cyprus for this Sustainable Development Goal.”

Over the past decade, it notes, European University Cyprus has established one of the region’s strongest ecosystems in medical and health sciences.

“Its internationally recognised Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine, together with more than 29 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Health Sciences, prepare highly skilled healthcare professionals who go on to serve communities across Europe and beyond.”

It adds that the ranking also reflects the University’s commitment to advancing health and well-being through education, research, clinical practice, and community engagement.

“This commitment is demonstrated through specialised clinical facilities-including the Dental Clinic, the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, and the Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital-which provide thousands of clinical services each year while offering students immersive clinical education,” it says.

Concluding, it notes that “together with impactful research, partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organisations, and a broad range of community outreach and prevention initiatives, EUC continues to improve health and well-being while reinforcing its wider contribution to society.”

CYPRUS DEPARTMENT OF METEOROLOGY

FORECAST FOR THE SEA AREA OF CYPRUS (B)

FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1200 29/06/2026 UNTIL 1200 30/06/2026

Area covered is 8 kilometers seawards.

Winds are in BEAUFORT scale. Times are local times.

Atmospheric pressure at the time of issue: 1009hPa (hectopascal)

Seasonal low pressure is affecting the area. The weather will be mainly fine, but later tonight and during dawn locally increased low cloud coverage is possible.

Visibility: Good

Sea surface temperature: 25°C

Warnings: NIL

AREA PERIOD WIND STATE OF SEA

West Coast Afternoon West to Northwest 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 to 4, soon Northwest to Northeast 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning West to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

South Coast Afternoon Southwest to West 3 to 4, locally 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southwest to Northwest 3, gradually Northwest to Northeast Smooth to Slight

Morning Southeast to Southwest 3, gradually South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

East Coast Afternoon South to Southwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night West to Northwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning South to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

North Coast Afternoon Southwest to Northwest 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Night Southeast to Southwest 3 Smooth to Slight

Morning Southwest to Northwest 3, gradually 3 to 4 Smooth to Slight

Time of issue: 1130

Date: 29/06/2026

European University Cyprus Ranked 55th Worldwide for Good Health and Well-being in Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026

European University Cyprus (EUC) has achieved a major international distinction in the Times Higher Education (THE) Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026, reaffirming its position among the world’s leading universities making a measurable impact through education, research, healthcare, innovation, and community engagement.

The University’s most remarkable achievement comes in Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being, where European University Cyprus is ranked 55th in the world, representing one of the highest international distinctions ever achieved by a Cypriot university in this field and the highest-ranked university in Cyprus for this Sustainable Development Goal.

Over the past decade, European University Cyprus has established one of the region’s strongest ecosystems in medical and health sciences. Its internationally recognised Schools of Medicine, Dentistry, and Veterinary Medicine, together with more than 29 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the Health Sciences, prepare highly skilled healthcare professionals who go on to serve communities across Europe and beyond.

The ranking also reflects the University’s commitment to advancing health and well-being through education, research, clinical practice, and community engagement. This commitment is demonstrated through specialised clinical facilities-including the Dental Clinic, the Speech, Language and Hearing Clinic, and the Small Animal Veterinary Teaching Hospital-which provide thousands of clinical services each year while offering students immersive clinical education. Together with impactful research, partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organisations, and a broad range of community outreach and prevention initiatives, EUC continues to improve health and well-being while reinforcing its wider contribution to society.

Cyprus’ EU Council Presidency placed an emphasis on tackling poverty and promoting children’s well-being, Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Klea Papaellina said. Papaellina is chairing the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (EPSCO) on social policy issues in Luxembourg, as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Arriving at the final EPSCO Council under the Cyprus Presidency, the Deputy Minister said that over the past six months the Cyprus Presidency had prioritised strengthening the social dimension of the European Union, placing particular emphasis on tackling poverty and promoting children’s well-being.

She added that the Presidency had also worked on issues related to active ageing, improving access to high-quality long-term care services, and the inclusion of persons with disabilities.

Papaellina noted that, during the Presidency, the Council adopted Conclusions on investing in children and welcomed the presentation of the European Commission’s Social Package.

She said that ministers will today discuss the Social Package, with particular emphasis on implementing the European Union’s Anti-Poverty Strategy at national level and on ways to increase the take-up of social benefits and services by those entitled to them.

She also referred to the Cyprus Presidency’s initiatives to protect children in the digital environment, stressing that priority had been given to tackling cyber violence against girls through the adoption of Council Conclusions on its prevention and combat.

In conclusion, the Deputy Minister said that these initiatives constitute key pillars for strengthening the European social model, underlining the need to translate political commitments into tangible improvements for citizens, with the aim of building a Europe that leaves no one behind.

Cyprus has been holding the EU Council Presidency for the first half of 2026.

The Cyprus issue, relations with the US, and Cyprus’ role in the region were among the topics students from the United States of Cypriot and Greek heritage – who are currently visiting Cyprus as part of a study trip organised by the Washington-based American Hellenic Institute (AHI), said they discussed with President Nikos Christodoulides on Monday.

President Christodoulides welcomed the students to the Presidential Palace on Monday morning. During the meeting, AHI President Nick Larigakis, who accompanied the group, presented President Christodoulides with a commemorative plaque featuring the AHI’s special logo marking the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States.

Following the meeting, the students were given a tour of the Presidential Palace.

This is AHI’s 18th annual Student Foreign Policy Trip aimed at educating the next generation of Greek American and Cypriot American leaders ‘and to make them aware on the issues of the Eastern Mediterranean that the organisation was founded for in 1974, and who’s been advocating in Washington for the last 52 years’, Larigakis said in statements to the media after the meeting.

Maria Kyriakou, from Chicago, Illinois, a student at the University of Virginia, said that meeting with the President ‘was so meaningful’. She said that she thought of her grandparents who are from Cyprus ‘and what it means for me as a Cypriot American to be here today and ask questions, geopolitical questions that are relevant not just to Cyprus but to US and service and security at a global scale’.

Lucas Koutsoukos from Milton, Connecticut, a student at Yale, said that meeting with President Christodoulides, ‘was a fascinating experience’. He note that his family comes from Arcadia, Greece, but that it was ‘incredible to learn more about the history of Cyprus, the current geopolitical situation regarding Cyprus, Greece, United States and other countries in the Eastern Mediterranean’. He added that it was ‘also fascinating’ to learn more about the contemporary culture of the island and learn more about the experiences that the diaspora could have both in Cyprus and in Greece.

Asked about what they asked the President, Kyriakou said she asked him about his administration’s efforts for an open dialogue with the Turkish Cypriots as regards the Cyprus issue.

Koutsoukos noted that some other questions they asked were on geostrategic relations, while they also discussed about what the diaspora can specifically do to help in Greece and Cyprus. ‘We as Americans are people who are very interested in our background, our history, our culture and we want to know how we can help in the United States, whether it’s helping with lobbying Congress, for instance, or just bringing more awareness to the Cyprus issue or to issues pertaining to Greece’, he said. ‘We want to be able to play a more active role regarding our heritage countries and their ability to compete on the European and global stages’, he added.

They said they visited Larnaca, some ‘particularly interesting areas’ in the occupied areas, and that they were to also visit the Cyprus Centre for Land, Open Seas and Port Security (CYCLOPS).

The 2026 edition of Startups4Peace (Su4P) is open and welcomes applications until 10 August 2026. Winners will receive seed funding and exclusive access to the Web Summit 2026.

Su4P is a bicommunal competition and an accelerator programme funded by the European Union under the EU aid programme for the Turkish Cypriot community. The competition is part of the eunite programme – an EU-funded programme supporting economic integration in Cyprus. It is implemented by GIZ International Services, the department of the German Agency for International Cooperation providing services for project development and implementation. Su4P is delivered in partnership with the Cyprus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KEBE), the Turkish Cypriot Chamber of Commerce (KTTO), CYENS (the Centre of Excellence in research and innovation in Cyprus) and the inter-communal social venture CyprusInno.

Su4P encourages innovative entrepreneurs and startups with new and innovative business ideas in Cyprus to come together, work in partnership and develop connections and relationships between the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities. Successful applicants are supported to develop, test and market their business ideas through a series of residential bootcamps, bespoke mentoring and a pitching battle. Teams from both communities and/or joint teams are eligible to apply.

As part of this year’s programme, the three winning teams will each receive a seed funding prize (pound 10,000 for the winner and pound 5,000 each for the two runners-up) and the exclusive opportunity to participate in the Web Summit taking place in Lisbon, Portugal, in November 2026.

The call for applications will close on 10 August 2026.

For more information on the criteria, guidelines and application process, please see: https://www.startups4peace.eu/.

For further information and media enquiries please contact the Eunite Programme at Email: mailto:info@eunite-cyprus.eu/ phone: + 90 548 829 24 34 /web: www.eunite-cyprus.eu

EU delivers emergency aid and organises a humanitarian flight in response to earthquakes in Venezuela

In response to the increasing humanitarian needs caused by the recent earthquakes in Venezuela, the European Union is delivering pound 5 million in humanitarian aid to provide immediate help to the most affected communities. This emergency funding will focus on providing shelter and healthcare to people affected by the disaster.

Additionally, the EU is also organising a Humanitarian Air Bridge to transport essential supplies to the affected areas. A flight is scheduled to leave early this week from Copenhagen, with around 50 tonnes of shelter material, water and sanitation equipment and education supplies.

This new assistance comes on top of the pound 52 million already allocated this year to respond to the humanitarian consequences of the socio-economic crisis in Venezuela.

The humanitarian aid released follows the EU’s continuous efforts to coordinate the emergency response through the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. The Commission has received offers from 11 EU Member States and 1 Participating State, providing search and rescue teams, medical teams and telecommunication support.

A team of 11 technical experts from Spain, Austria, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium, Estonia and the Commission’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) arrived over the weekend to Venezuela to support operations on the ground, in addition to a further team of experts provided by Italy. This makes in total 14 EU countries having contributed with search and rescue teams, medical teams and telecommunication support, or with technical knowledge so far.

Furthermore, the Copernicus satellite service has also been activated in its emergency mapping mode. This helps to capture high-resolution imagery of crisis zones, converting raw data into actionable maps for rescue teams, NGOs, and civil protection authorities. Copernicus has already produced 25 maps and 13 images from 13 different Areas of Interest.

Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management, Hadja Lahbib, said: ‘The EU remains committed to helping the Venezuelan people, and we are doing so with all the tools at our disposal. This additional funding and supplies will provide much needed help to families who lost their homes, patients in need of medical assistance or children whose schools have been damaged. EU Member States continue to show remarkable solidarity, with up to 14 EU countries already contributing to this relief operation, and the European Union coordinating and transporting the aid, in a true Team Europe spirit.’

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)

Commission approves new geographical indication from Slovakia

Today, the European Commission has approved the registration of ‘Brhlovské podlievané buchty’ from Slovakia as a Protected Geographical Indication.

‘Brhlovské podlievané buchty’ are baked leavened buns filled with sweetened poppy seeds or plum jam, originating from the village of Brhlovce and its surrounding area in south-west Slovakia. They are recognisable by their soft, fluffy texture and golden-brown crust. They are characterised by a distinctive preparation method – after partial baking, the buns are covered with a sweet milk-and-cream mixture and baked again, which gives them their typical moist surface and rich flavour. The product is closely linked to local culinary traditions and know-how passed down through generations and remains an important part of the area’s food culture, both for locals and tourists.

This new designation joins the more than 3,900 protected names already listed in the eAmbrosia database. More information is available on the Quality Policy pages.

(For more information: Louise Bogey – Tel.: +32 2 296 97 76; Katerina Horáková – Tel.: +32 2 299 93 10)

President von der Leyen travels to Azerbaijan and Armenia

President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Azerbaijan on Wednesday 1 July and to Armenia on Thursday 2 July.

The visit focuses on four priorities: supporting the peace process after last year’s initialling of the historic peace agreement; improving connectivity across the region and with Europe and Central Asia; deepening our economic partnership with the South Caucasus; and supporting Armenia in the face of Russian economic coercion.

On Wednesday 1 July, the President will arrive in Baku, Azerbaijan. There she will meet President Ilham Aliyev. The two Presidents will deliver press statements following their meeting at approximately 16:30 CEST.

The following day, the President will travel to Yerevan, Armenia, where she will meet Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. They will hold a press conference following their meeting at around 9:25 CEST.

This will be the President’s second visit to Yerevan in two months, following her visit for the European Political Community and the first-ever EU-Armenia Summit in May. On 4 June, the President had announced a support package for Armenia, in solidarity with the country victim of Russia’s trade restrictions.

Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will accompany the President during the visit.

Last year, the EU welcomed the initialling of the historic peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

All press events will be broadcast live on EBS.

(For more information: Olof Gill – Tel.: +32 2 296 59 66)

High Representative Kallas with Commissioners Kos and Brunner in Trkiye to advance bilateral cooperation

Today and tomorrow, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, and Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, will travel to Trkiye to advance cooperation on key areas of mutual interest. All three members of the College of Commissioners will meet Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to discuss EU-Trkiye relations and cooperation on shared strategic priorities. Ahead of the upcoming NATO summit, talks will focus on the common security challenges, including the wars in the Middle East and Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. The meeting will also address efforts to improve regional relations in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Building on the recent launch of the Connectivity Agenda Platform, discussions will also encompass advancing and coordinating investments in transport, energy and digital infrastructure, alongside regulatory cooperation under the Connectivity Agenda in Trkiye and the wider region.

(Anitta Hipper – Tel. +32 2 298 56 91; Guillaume Mercier – Tel.: +32 2 298 05 64; Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Yuliya Matsyk – Tel.: +32 2 296 27 16)

Executive Vice-President Virkkunen presents awards to projects boosting digital skills

Tomorrow, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen will present the European Digital Skills Awards at the Digital Skills EU Days to projects dedicated to empowering individuals with essential competencies in digital tech.

The event, open to the public, will also see the launch of new digital skills academies in virtual worlds, quantum and artificial intelligence to bridge critical talent gaps. Equipping citizens with digital skills is a core component of Europe’s Digital Decade, which aims to provide 80% of adults with basic digital skills and have at least 20 million information and communication technology (ICT) specialists in Europe by 2030.

The latest state of the Digital Decade report, published on 16 June, showed that while more than 60% of Europeans now have basic digital skills, more needs to be done to boost the number of ICT specialists in Europe, particularly women in the field.

The Digital Skills EU Days will also mark the launch of a Cybersecurity Skills Coalition European Digital Infrastructure Consortium to support the work of the existing Cybersecurity Skills Academy. This is increasingly important as recent EU data found nearly 4,900 significant cybersecurity incidents were recorded in a single year.

Executive Vice President Henna Virkkunen said: “Digital skills can unlock the many opportunities created by tech. Opportunities that should be open to everyone. We are investing in Europe’s Digital Decade, but the digital transformation does not come without investing in people’s digital skills.’

The Digital Skills EU days take place between 29 June and 1 July in Brussels.

(For more information: Thomas Regnier – Tel.: +32 2 299 10 99; Patricia Poropat – Tel. + 32 2 299 27 17)

Commissioner Brunner participates in youth policy dialogue in Austria

Today, Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner, will participate in a Youth Policy Dialogue in Vienna, organised together with the SPAR-Akademie. The event will bring together retail apprentices and other young participants to engage in an open exchange on European Union policies, with a particular focus on vocational education, internal security, migration, and current political challenges.

During the dialogue, Commissioner Brunner will outline his role and priorities as EU Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration and engage in a moderated discussion with participants. The exchange will cover topics such as migration management, the functioning of the Schengen area, fighting organised crime and radicalisation, and the broader geopolitical context shaping EU policies. Participants will also have the opportunity to raise questions about civic engagement and the role of young people in shaping Europe’s future.

Youth dialogues are part of the European Commission’s commitment to mainstream the voice of young people in EU policymaking, as set out in President Ursula von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines for 2024-2029. These dialogues are important to ensure that young people’s voice is heard and engages them in EU policymaking.

(For more information: Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 2 296 75 33; Fiorella Boigner – Tel.: +32 2 299 37 34)

EU Global Health Policy Forum to discuss Europe’s international health priorities

Tomorrow, Commissioner for Health and Animal Welfare Olivér Várhelyi will participate in the EU Global Health Policy Forum in Brussels. The annual Forum brings together governments, health experts, international organisations, civil society, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to discuss key topics around global health.

This year’s Forum will focus on the recently adopted Global Health Resilience Initiative. The Forum is an opportunity to reaffirm the EU’s commitment and leading role in global health, as well as to foster constructive dialogue and engagement with key stakeholders on the proposed priorities of the GHRI and its implementation.

The Forum will open with a keynote speech from Commissioner Várhelyi and a video message from Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib. They will highlight the importance of effective international cooperation and multilateral action to promote the health and wellbeing of citizens in the EU and worldwide, as well as for strengthening preparedness for cross border health threats. After that, several panels will take place on topics ranging from health systems strengthening to local manufacturing, prevention, preparedness and response to global health threats, and the need to foster trust in science and counter disinformation.

The Forum will also be an opportunity to take stock of the latest challenges facing the global health system and the importance of close cooperation on the global level, particularly in light of the ongoing outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda.

Further information is available online.

(For more information: Eva Hrncirova – Tel.: +32 2 298 84 33; Anna Gray – Tel.: +32 2 298 08 73)

Under the Cyprus Presidency, the Council of the European Union has adopted a new recommendation on integrated wildfire risk management, establishing a comprehensive framework aimed at helping member states strengthen wildfire prevention, preparedness, emergency response and post-fire recovery.

The initiative comes in response to the devastating 2025 wildfire season, widely regarded as one of the worst in recent years. More than one million hectares of land were burned across the European Union, while the EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated a record number of times, highlighting that wildfires are no longer a challenge for a handful of countries but a shared European concern.

In a statement, Cyprus’ Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, stressed that the destructive wildfire seasons experienced in recent years have clearly demonstrated the need for a common European strategy. “The devastating wildfire seasons we have experienced across Europe in recent years have shown that wildfire risk is no longer a challenge for a few countries but a European challenge. These recommendations promote a comprehensive approach that brings together land management, climate adaptation, civil protection and cross-border cooperation. Investing in prevention and preparedness today is essential to protecting lives, communities and ecosystems tomorrow,” he said.

The Council’s recommendation acknowledged that climate change, changes in forest and land management practices, as well as human activity, are significantly increasing the risk of wildfires across Europe.

To address these challenges, it promoted an integrated risk management approach covering the entire disaster management cycle. The recommendation called for stronger prevention through sustainable forest and land management, enhanced preparedness by making better use of modern data, scientific risk assessments and early warning systems, improved operational cooperation and interoperability among Member States, and faster recovery of affected areas following major wildfires.

Particular emphasis was also placed on raising public awareness, encouraging the active involvement of local communities, and establishing stable funding mechanisms to support long-term wildfire risk management planning.

The Council also underlined that major wildfires do not respect national borders. In recent years, fires have affected an increasing number of regions across Europe, with their consequences often extending beyond national boundaries. For this reason, the recommendation encouraged closer cooperation among member states and with international partners to improve information sharing, operational support and the effectiveness of joint response efforts.

Although the Council recommendation is not legally binding, it provides clear guidance to member states on adapting their national policies to their specific circumstances, risk profiles and governance systems, with the aim of strengthening wildfire resilience across the European Union.