European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen paid tribute to Greek firefighters in her State of the Union address at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, highlighting the team that assisted Spain in battling this summer’s devastating forest fires.
Von der Leyen honored the twenty-member Greek wildfire unit led by Deputy Fire Chief Nikolaos Paisios, who was present in the chamber. The team had been deployed to Asturias in Northern Spain in August, where they fought alongside Spanish crews for five days.
“Their courage is an inspiration to us all. For your resilience, dedication, and leadership, I thank you—and your heroic team,” she said, as the Parliament erupted in applause.
Greek firefighters battling flames day and night
The Commission President reminded the European Parliament that over one million hectares of forest and farmland were destroyed throughout the continent this summer.
She stressed that climate change is making conditions increasingly dangerous each year and announced plans for a European firefighting hub in Cyprus to boost resilience and cross-border support.
Von der Leyen highlighted Greece’s swift response to Spain’s call for help, noting how Greek firefighters worked day and night to save the village of Genestoso from advancing flames.
European and Greek recognition
Gratitude was extended to the 760 European firefighters and crews who served on the front lines this year. EU Commissioner for Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib also shared a video tribute on social media, thanking the Greek firefighters for their service in Spain.
At today’s #SOTEU, @vonderleyen honoured Lt. Nikolaos Paisios, who led 20 Greek rangers to fight devastating fires in Asturias, Spain.
For 5 days, they stood side by side with Spanish crews and saved a village.
True European heroes. Ευχαριστώ, Nikolaos. 🇬🇷🇪🇸🇪🇺 pic.twitter.com/1URGV7JTrX
— Hadja Lahbib (@hadjalahbib) September 10, 2025
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis later posted his own message of thanks, highlighting von der Leyen’s words and the standing ovation for Deputy Chief Paisios. “Their courage reflects European solidarity at its best—united we protect, united we prevail,” he said.
Thank you, @vonderleyen, for honoring our brave Greek firefighters who stood by Spain this summer. Their courage embodies the spirit of European solidarity at its best — united we protect, united we prevail. pic.twitter.com/7R2KMxduJD
— Prime Minister GR (@PrimeministerGR) September 10, 2025
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