Cyprus proposes structural reforms for national civil protection

The Republic of Cyprus has initiated parliamentary discussions on a major reform of its civil protection system to improve coordination during large-scale emergencies. The proposal follows devastating wildfires in Solea (2016), Arakapas (2021), and the Limassol region (2025). The government aims to rename the Ministry of Internal Affairs to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Civil Protection, incorporating the Fire Service, which currently falls under the Ministry of Justice. Additionally, a new National Civil Protection Mechanism will be established to coordinate state resources, led by a newly created national coordinator with authority over land, air, and maritime assets.

While the goal is to centralize emergency operations, the Ministry of Defence has expressed opposition to this specific model. The ministry argues that a national crisis management mechanism should report directly to the Cabinet of Ministers rather than to a single government department. According to the Ministry of Defence, placing the authority under one ministry could create inefficiencies or conflicts of interest. The debate is ongoing in the Parliament, where stakeholders are examining how best to consolidate command structures to handle future natural disasters and crises effectively.