Cyprus hosts Greek firefighting team for forest protection training

On September 12, 2026, an official ceremony was held at the Platania Forest Station in the Troodos National Forest Park to honor a 21-member Greek firefighting team. The delegation has been in Cyprus since August 31 and will remain until September 16, participating in training exercises and collaborative operational drills alongside the Cyprus Department of Forests.

The initiative is part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism’s 'Prepositioning 2026' program. Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Christos Senekis, attended the event to present honorary plaques to the team members. He noted that this marks the first time Cyprus has served as a host country for a pre-positioned firefighting force under this specific EU program.

The primary purpose of the mission is to allow the Greek experts to familiarize themselves with Cyprus's forest fire prevention and suppression systems, infrastructure, and coordination tactics. Following the awards ceremony, the participants conducted a joint demonstration of operational readiness, showcasing the ability of both nations to mobilize quickly and collaborate effectively in the event of a forest fire.