EPAYPS Advocates for Firefighters in Greece

A delegation of CESI’s Greek member union EPAYPS – the Union of University-Degree Officers and NCOs of the Hellenic Fire Service, represented by Antonis Koukouzas, Dr Nikolaos Iliopoulos, Iasonas (Jason) Aliferis and Nikos Sigalas met the Greek Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas on 24 October to discuss professional development, education and working conditions for Fire Service personnel in Greece.

The meeting provided an opportunity fordirect dialogue between Fire Service personnel representatives and Greece’s political leadership responsible for civil protection, following a wildfire season that placed significant demands on the workforce.

EPAYPS raised six areas of importance toits members and to the operational readiness of the Fire Service, starting with the implementation of the provisions of Law 5281/2026 concerning the Fire Sergeants School (School of Archipyrosvestes) and the planning of the relevant admission procedures.

The union also discussed the resumption of procedures allowing qualified personnel to transfer into specialised-duty positions. This would enable the Fire Service to make better use of the scientific, technical and professional expertise already present among its personnel.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that strengthening continuous professional education, training and skills development throughout personnel’s careers can enhance individual capabilities and support operational preparedness.

EPAYPS stressed the importance of providing Fire Service Academy cadets with access to Greece’s Eudoxus academic textbook system and introducing an official academic identity card.

The Greek union also discussed the further development of structured training and institutional support for volunteer organisations contributing to civil protection and emergency response. Lastly, it raised the need for additional working time to be properly compensated financially, rather than relying on the accumulation of days of rest as compensation.

The meeting took place in a positive and constructive atmosphere. The Minister responded positively to further consideration of all six issues raised by the delegation within the Ministry’s agenda.

CESI is pleased to highlight this meeting as an example of constructive dialogue between representatives of Fire Service personnel and the political leadership responsible for civil protection in Greece.

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