Nikos Christodoulides announced today the creation of a modern and effective National Civil Protection Mechanism, with a decision to bring all relevant services under the Ministry of Interior, which will be renamed “Ministry of Interior and Civil Protection.”

During his address at the opening of the Cabinet meeting, the President emphasized that this reform is one of the five key priorities of his administration and part of the broader modernization of the state.

“Today we are moving forward with another landmark reform, addressing the need for a modern and effective national civil protection mechanism based on international and European standards,” he stated.

Specifically, with this decision, the Fire Service, the forestry personnel engaged in forest protection activities, and the Civil Defense Department will all operate under the same ministry.

The President stressed that this coordination, ending the dispersion of responsibilities across different ministries, will lead to a strong National Civil Protection Mechanism.

He also recalled that the first related decision was taken in October 2023, followed by technical support from France with funding from the European Commission.

“We believe that this coordination will result in a modern National Civil Protection Mechanism, in line with the standards of other states,” Christodoulides concluded.

Meanwhile, the report of the Fire Service on the causes of the devastating wildfire of July 23 in the Limassol mountains — which left two people dead and burned around 125 square kilometers of land — has been handed over to the Limassol CID investigators.

According to police sources quoted by CNA, the report, prepared by a three-member committee based on testimonies, findings, and on-site inspections, was received Tuesday afternoon.

The report, which according to Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis does not rule out foul play, will be included in the case file being prepared by Limassol CID for submission to the Legal Service.

It is recalled that the circle of investigations and reports (ATF, Fire Service, Police) is gradually closing. So far, only the ATF report — which ruled out arson — has been made public. According to information, the police report also ruled out arson but has not yet been published.

The Fire Service report marks the final step in this process. Its findings are expected to be released, after which the case file will be forwarded to the Legal Service for judicial decisions.