Brussels, Belgium. The European Parliament on Tuesday approved the allocation of more than €9 million from the European Union solidarity fund for Cyprus to support the rebuilding of infrastructure destroyed by last year’s wildfire in Limassol district, which killed two people.
A total of 642 MEPs voted in favour, with 13 against and one abstention, while all six Cypriot MEPs backed the measure.
Funding approved for Cyprus
Cyprus is set to receive €9.21 million under the approved allocation. The parliament said Cyprus had already received an advance payment of €2.3 million to assist its recovery effort.
It said the EU support will help finance emergency response measures, including the restoration of essential infrastructure and public services, the clean-up of disaster-affected areas, and the provision of temporary accommodation, rescue services and other urgent recovery measures.
Impact of the wildfire
The parliament said thousands of people were displaced by last summer’s wildfire. More than 900 private properties were destroyed, while education and healthcare services were also disrupted.
Other countries included in the package
As part of the same package, the parliament also approved €120.55 million in funding for Spain following several major wildfire outbreaks last year, and €14.34 million for Romania after severe flooding in May and June last year.
Spain, like Cyprus, had already received an advance payment, totalling €30 million.
