Delay in Activating Copernicus Program During Limassol Wildfire
October 7, 2025
The European Union activated the Earth observation program 'Copernicus' after the wildfire in the mountainous Limassol, on July 26, 2025, while the fire was still ongoing. The information and maps from the program were not utilized in time, raising concerns. Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou explained the process of activating the program, stating that the Civil Defense must submit a request for map provision. This delay raises questions about the efficiency of the system in emergency situations. The informative role of 'Copernicus' is critical for managing such events.