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Mitsotakis to von der Leyen: Greek firefighters embody European solidarity

Greek PM thanks EU chief for praising brave firefighters who helped Spain battle wildfires, calling their courage the embodiment of European solidarity.

Mitsotakis to von der Leyen: Greek firefighters embody European solidarity
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Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis thanked European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for her remarks about Greek firefighters from the European Parliament podium in Strasbourg, posting his gratitude on social media.

Read: Von der Leyen proposes European firefighting hub in Cyprus – Praises Greek forest commandos

Specifically, the Prime Minister noted on X in English: “Thank you Ursula von der Leyen for honoring the brave Greek firefighters who stood by Spain this summer. Their courage embodies the spirit of European solidarity — united we protect (Europe), united we prevail.”

See Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ post:

Von der Leyen proposes European firefighting center in Cyprus – Praises Greek forest commandos

It should be noted that Ursula von der Leyen made special mention of the need to do more at European level in fighting fires. As she said in her 2025 State of the Union address, “over 1,000,000 hectares burned, 1/3 the size of Belgium,” adding that “climate change makes every summer more dangerous.”

In this context, she emphasized, “we must intensify our efforts, we will propose a new firefighting hub based in Cyprus,” aimed at supporting its regional neighbors. At the same time, she praised the work of Greek forest commandos: “Paying tribute, I would like to refer to the team of 20 Greek forest commandos who are specialists in firefighting. When fire broke out in Spain, the 20 commandos fought for 5 days alongside their Spanish colleagues, with a front that was visible from space,” she said among other things.

“Your courage inspires us all”

More specifically, von der Leyen referred to the story of 20 Greek forest guards – specialists in suppressing the most severe forest fires. When fires broke out in the Asturias region, Spain requested European support and Greece responded to the call. “The flames were so huge that the smoke was visible from space,” von der Leyen said, “but for five days the 20 Greek forest guards stood alongside their Spanish colleagues.” As flames approached the village of Genestoso, they fought day and night to contain the fire and in the end – together – they extinguished the fire and the village was saved.

One of these 20 Greek forest guards, Lieutenant Nikolaos Paisios, was present today at the European Parliament plenary, who was applauded by MEPs. “It is a great honor to welcome one of these heroes today,” von der Leyen said. “Your courage inspires us all. Thank you and your team of European heroes for your strength, commitment and outstanding leadership,” she added.

With over a million hectares of burned land this summer in Europe, the Commission President referred to climate change, saying Europe must drastically intensify its efforts to adapt and become more resilient. Among other things, she proposed creating a new European firefighting center based in Cyprus, which could also support regional neighbors. She also referred to the European Civil Protection Mechanism, noting that this summer, “760 brave Europeans were sent to all corners of Europe.”

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