Greece is activating its annual training program for Civil Protection Volunteer Organizations, with theoretical and hands-on sessions scheduled from May 31 to June 24, as the country prepares for what could be another intense wildfire season.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced that eligible participants — those whose full documentation for recognition as Civil Protection Volunteers was submitted by February 28, 2025 — will begin training this summer through a combination of online modules and in-person drills.
The training begins with a foundational theoretical module available via the asynchronous e-learning platform of the Civil Protection Academy (A.PO.P.).
The digital platform will open on Wednesday, June 4, and remain accessible until Tuesday, June 24. Volunteers can log in using personalized access codes via the A.PO.P. icon on the ministry’s website (https://civilprotection.gov.gr), where a detailed user guide is also available.
Participants facing technical issues can reach out to the support team at apop.support@civilprotection.gr. They are advised to include a brief description of the issue, their full name, the name and registry number of their volunteer group, and a contact phone number.
The training continues with a 16-hour in-person module focused on forest fire prevention and response, scheduled between Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 22. These sessions will take place at fire stations and facilities across the country, designated by a new directive from the Hellenic Fire Service.
The practical component is designed to equip volunteers with the skills needed to assist in the front lines of fire protection, a key concern as Greece experiences longer and more intense wildfire seasons due to climate change.
Only members who have received official notification and whose participation is registered by their organization’s legal representatives by Tuesday, May 27, are eligible for the in-person training. Specific local training dates will be arranged after Wednesday, May 28, in coordination between each volunteer group and their corresponding Regional Fire Commands.
The dual-phase program is part of Greece’s broader strategy to bolster frontline readiness and enhance coordination among state and volunteer firefighting forces, as wildfires increasingly strain national resources.