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€23.2 million paid to Limassol wildfire victims

Cyprus Mail · 2026-08-03

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: The Cypriot government has disbursed €23.2 million to victims of the 2025 Limassol wildfires, representing 41% of the total €56.1 million recovery package. • Why it matters: This financial aid is crucial for supporting affected businesses, communities, and households, with significant funds allocated for restoration projects and assistance payments. • What to watch next: The distribution of the remaining €6.9 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund is anticipated, along with ongoing community support initiatives and the impact of private donations.

**€23.2 Million Paid to Limassol Wildfire Victims**

As of June 30, 2025, the Cypriot government has disbursed €23.2 million in support to victims of the devastating wildfires that affected the Limassol district. This amount represents 41 percent of the total €56.1 million recovery package established by the government, according to figures released by the General Accounting Office on Monday.

The financial aid is part of a comprehensive recovery plan funded entirely through state resources. The General Accounting Office clarified that additional donations from various organizations and private individuals are being held in a separate bank account and are not included in the reported figures.

Of the total allocated funds, €16.1 million was designated for businesses impacted by the wildfires. To date, €7.9 million of this allocation has been paid out, which includes the full €3.3 million set aside specifically for livestock farmers and breeders who suffered losses.

Community support has also seen significant funding, with an implementation rate of 83 percent. Out of the €6.5 million allocated for affected communities, €5.4 million has already been utilized. This funding has been directed towards crucial recovery efforts, including the restoration of water supplies, environmental rehabilitation, the clearing of abandoned lands, and repairs to the road network. All of these projects have reportedly been completed.

In terms of household support, €9.9 million has been distributed, accounting for 30 percent of the €33.5 million allocated for this purpose. This includes a one-off assistance payment of €2.29 million for wildfire victims, compensation for homes that were damaged, rent subsidies, and additional support for beneficiaries of the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare. The implementation of rent subsidies has reached 65 percent.

The General Accounting Office also indicated that part of the recovery costs will be co-financed through European funding. The European Commission has proposed a €9.2 million allocation from the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist with eligible infrastructure repairs in sectors such as energy, water, wastewater, telecommunications, and transport. So far, a deposit of €2.3 million has been received, and following the endorsement of the funding plan by the European Parliament on July 7, 2026, the remaining €6.9 million is expected to be distributed.

Additionally, civil society contributions through organizations and private donations have totaled €1.7 million. Of this amount, €900,000 is earmarked for community projects, while the remaining €800,000 will be allocated for the purchase of 17 fire engines for communities within the Limassol district.

The ongoing recovery efforts reflect the government's commitment to supporting those affected by the wildfires and restoring the impacted areas.

Source: Cyprus Mail
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