Meeting of the UCPM Directors-General for Civil Protection in Cyprus: New Strategies, Artificial Intelligence Application and Cooperation
56th Informal Meeting of the UCPM Directors-General for Civil Protection took place in Cyprus on 14–16 April 2026. The Fire and Rescue Department under the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter – Department) was represented by Mr Renatas Požėla, Director of the Department and Ms Tatjana Milkamanovič, Adviser of the Department.
The European Commission presented a Communication adopted on 25 March 2025, aimed at strengthening the EU’s approach to wildfire risk management. The strategy is based on an integrated approach covering the entire fire cycle – from prevention and preparedness to response and recovery as well as coordination across different policy areas and levels of governance. It is emphasized that fire risk in the EU is increasing due to climate change, a lengthening season and extreme weather conditions.
Lithuania presented the forest fire monitoring system currently being implemented, which by the end of 2027 will cover the monitoring of all Lithuanian forests, the preventive measures being carried out, as well as work underway to develop ground-based firefighting modules, aiming to contribute to the pre-positioning program during the forest fire season in countries with a high risk of wildfires.
Participants discussed the potential applications of artificial intelligence in civil protection: it can help identify natural hazards more quickly, model scenarios, analyze disasters, process data, detect disinformation and facilitate communication in different languages. However, risks remain, such as the use of artificial intelligence in rare events or when data is limited, a higher risk of potential data leaks.
Norwegian representatives briefed the meeting participants on national experience in civil-military cooperation.
Cross-sectoral initiatives include reviewing legal regulations and developing necessary procedures, providing recommendations to local and regional authorities on preparedness for military scenarios and planning, organizing total defense exercises and strengthening capabilities, and informing the public.
The Irish Presidency’s program in the field of civil protection was also presented. The main focus will be on negotiations regarding the draft regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Union Civil Protection Mechanism and Union support for preparedness and response to public health emergencies, while a civil protection seminar will address the impact of extreme weather events on energy, telecommunications and water infrastructure.
In general, the Meeting hosted under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the EU focused on strengthening cooperation, disaster resilience and collective response mechanisms.
Last updated: 27-04-2026
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