CESI speaks in European Parliament Intergroup on Civil Protection on working conditions of firefighters

The exchange, held in in the European Parliament in Strasbourg, placed the spotlight on firefighters’ employment conditions and occupational health and safety as well as and the EU’s broader role in addressing natural disasters and wildfires.

The programme brought together MEPs from the Intergroup including its Vice Chairs Pascal Arimont (EPP), Grégory Allione (Renew), Christophe Clergeau (S&D) and Matej Tonin (EPP) and the European Commission Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills, Quality Jobs and Preparedness Roxana Mînzatu.

Together with firefighter representatives from French, Greek and German union members ofCESI – Alain Laratta (Avenir Secours), Frédéric Monchy (SNSPP-PATS), Alexandros Melachroinos (EPAYS) and Valentino Tagliafierro (dbb) – discussions centred on increasing staffing shortages in fire services, wage injustices, long and impractical working hours as well as the growing risks firefighters face during their work – from toxic exposure to mental health strains and work-related cancers.

CESI presented its Firefighters’ Manifesto, which sets out key demands for betterrecognition, safer working environments, and stronger EU-level commitments, among them:

• Adequate staffing levels across Member States to avoid dangerous shortages.
• Improved pay, reasonable working hours and stronger enforcement of EU employment legislation.
• Recognition of occupational health risks, with tailored mental health support and early retirement options.
• EU-wide minimum safety standards for firefighters and adequate investment in protective equipment.
• A stronger EU Civil Protection Mechanism and the development of a European firefighting strategy.

Speaking after the debate, CESI Secretary General Klaus Heeger stressed the urgency ofaction: “Firefighters risk their lives to protect us all. It is unacceptable that they continue to face understaffing, precarious conditions, and insufficient protection. The EU must treat investment in firefighting as whatit really is: a matter of public safety and resilience.”

He also underlined the need for a strengthened European approach to disaster management: “Climate change makes wildfires and other disasters more intense and more frequent. No Member State can face these challenges alone. Strengthening EU solidarity mechanisms and creating common standards for firefighters is an investment in Europe’s collective security.”

CESI welcomed the commitment of the European Parliament Intergroup to continue engaging with social partners and unions in this field. As the summer of 2025 once again showed – with record heatwaves and devastating wildfires across the continent – ensuring that firefighters are properly supported, equipped and protected is a matter of urgency for Europe’s future.

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