7-8 May 2026 - Wildfire Preparedness: Euro-Mediterranean Dialogue in Cyprus

The Mediterranean region is increasingly exposed to extreme heat, prolonged droughts, and fast-evolving wildfires — making regional cooperation more critical than ever.

On 7–8 May 2026, Cyprus hosted the 3rd Euro-Mediterranean Workshop on Wildfire Risks, bringing together civil protection authorities, wildfire experts, senior officials, and international partners from Mediterranean, Arab, Gulf, and European countries.

Funded by the European Union EU in Emergencies, the workshop was co-organized by the European Commission, the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU 2026, and the Union for the Mediterranean. As implementing partner of the PPRD Med programme, ISTC supported the organization and implementation of the event.

Discussions focused on strengthening prevention, preparedness, and response capacities through advanced and emerging technologies, including satellite and space-based services, AI-supported tools, early warning systems, and real-time situational awareness.

The workshop also highlighted the importance of regional coordination mechanisms and shared operational approaches, including the role of the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) and the Cyprus Regional Aerial Firefighting Station (CRAFS).

A high-level ministerial segment, including the participation of Commissioner Hadja Lahbib (Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management), reaffirmed the political commitment to stronger regional cooperation in addressing climate-driven risks and large-scale wildfire events.

Mr. Alexandre Custaud, PPRD Med Team Leader, emphasized that “strengthening wildfire resilience across the Euro-Mediterranean region requires not only operational cooperation, but also the accelerated integration of advanced technologies, shared situational awareness, and long-term regional preparedness frameworks capable of addressing increasingly complex climate-driven risks.”

Participants also expressed strong support for the next phase of PPRD Med, with discussions on expanding regional cooperation and strengthening resilience capacities across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

Co-funded by the European Union. The contents of this post are the sole responsibility of ISTC and do not necessarily reflect the views of the EU.