Moldovan firefighters applauded in Chisinau after mission in Greece
The mission in Greece has been successfully completed. After two weeks of battling the flames, 25 firefighters from the General Inspectorate for Emergencies (IGSU) returned home and were welcomed with applause and gratitude on Monday, August 17. The efforts of the Moldovan rescuers during the eight challenging missions were highly praised by the Greek authorities.
The experience gained from international missions shows that Moldovan firefighters are becoming increasingly well-prepared for such interventions, according to Aurel Baciu, head of the General Inspectorate for Emergency Situations (IGSU).
"We are no longer at the beginning of our journey. We have reached a stage where we can confidently state that we have above-average international experience in extinguishing forest fires. We have tested tactics in real situations and, most importantly, we have qualified personnel who can effectively represent the Republic of Moldova in these missions. You have demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and responsibility, continuously showing, through your actions, that the General Inspectorate for Emergencies is a reliable partner in international missions," declared Baciu during the welcoming ceremony for firefighters returning from Greece.
According to Baciu, the IGSU aims to participate in more international missions, and the number of these missions will grow as operational capabilities, technical resources, and personnel increase.
"We want to engage in more missions, and I am confident that more opportunities will arise as we strengthen our operational capabilities, enhance our technical resources, and, most importantly, increase our personnel. The number of such missions will inevitably rise," Baciu said.
He also noted that the IGSU seeks to leverage available funding opportunities on the European platform to enhance their intervention capabilities.
Moldovan firefighters’ mission in Greece: A source of pride for the Republic of Moldova
Firefighters from the Republic of Moldova recently took part in eight complex firefighting operations in Greece.
“You embarked on a mission where every day demanded hard work, professionalism, and a great deal of responsibility. You engaged in eight challenging missions, collaborating with teams from various countries. You were on the ground during times when fires threatened lives, homes, and forests,” said the Minister of Internal Affairs, Daniella Misail-Nichitin, at a recognition event.
According to the minister, the involvement of Moldovan firefighters in the Greek mission is a significant source of pride for the Republic of Moldova.
“We are part of the larger European family and contribute as a full member of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism,” said Daniella Misail-Nichitin.
This marked the third occasion in recent years that Moldovan firefighters have travelled to Greece for assistance, and the sixth foreign mission in which the Republic of Moldova has participated with personnel and emergency equipment.
“Each time, you have approached your work with the same sense of responsibility and a genuine desire to help. I deeply appreciate your teamwork; in difficult situations, you supported one another and moved forward together,” added Misail-Nichitin.
“Solidarity is one of the clearest signs that you are already part of the European family.”
Konstantinos Kattoulas, the First Counselor at the Embassy of the Hellenic Republic in the Republic of Moldova, expressed his gratitude to the Moldovan firefighters for their support during the wildfires that affected Greece this summer.
“I would like to extend my deepest thanks on behalf of the entire Greek people, our ministry, our embassy, and the Greek Government. Your invaluable support was essential in combating the wildfires that devastated my country,” Kattoulas stated.
The Greek diplomat praised the courage and professionalism of the Moldovan rescuers and emphasized the solidarity shown by the Republic of Moldova during this mission.
“I wish to thank you all for your courage, dedication, professionalism, and sense of responsibility. And, of course, I want to express my appreciation for your solidarity. This solidarity is one of the clearest indicators that you are already part of the European family. Solidarity is one of the fundamental values on which the European Union was built and continues to keep it functional,” concluded the representative of the Greek Embassy.
We remind you that the Moldovan firefighters' mission took place from July 14 to August 15, 2026, as part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism. During this time, the Moldovan firefighters, organized into two groups, collaborated with teams from various countries to respond to incidents where fires posed a threat to people, homes, and forest areas.
