EU Civil Protection Forum 2026: CESI demands decent work for firefighters

CESI joined firefighters demonstrating in Brussels during the European Civil Protection Forum on 3–4 November 2026, calling for firefighters’ health, safety and working conditions to be placed at the centre of European civil protection policy. Alongside its member unions including EPAYPS (Greece), Avenir Secours (France), SNSPP-PATS (France), CNV (Netherlands) and dbb/komba (Germany), CESI demanded adequate staffing and resources, recognition of occupational illnesses, including work-related cancers, and stronger mental health support.

The ninth edition of the Forum brought together policymakers, civil protection authorities, first responders and researchers to discuss European preparedness. Its programme included dedicated discussions on integrated wildfire risk management and the role of social partners in preparedness.

On the occasion of the Forum, CESI adopted a resolution on firefighter demands for integrated wildfire risk management in Europe. It calls for funded workforce measures across prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, developed with firefighters and their trade unions.

The resolution generally welcomes the recent Council Recommendation on integrated wildfire risk management, adopted on 29 June 2026, and the European Commission’s preceding Communication on the same subject. The Recommendation provides non-binding guidance to Member States on preventing, preparing for, responding to and recovering from wildfires. Its impact depends on national implementation.

For CESI, priority in the rollout of the Communication and Recommendation must now be workforce planning, working conditions and social partner involvement, as the resolution calls on Member States to adopt funded implementation plans before the 2027 wildfire season, identifying responsible authorities, recruitment and relief needs, occupational protection measures and trade union consultation arrangements.

Sufficient permanent staffing is a central demand of CESI. Multiannual recruitment and retention plans should establish minimum crew strengths based on assessed risks, provide relief capacity for prolonged operations and maintain local emergency coverage when personnel are deployed elsewhere. Seasonal and voluntary support must complement stable professional staffing.

According to the resolution, decent work also requires adequate pay, compensation for hazardous duties and predictable contracts negotiated through the applicable collective bargaining arrangements. Working time protections must be respected, including rest requirements and weekly limits, with staffing and rotation plans addressing foreseeable seasonal demand.

The resolution further calls for enforceable protection against heat, smoke and operational hazards, supported by suitable protective equipment, decontamination facilities and sufficient relief teams. Occupational exposure monitoring and confidential health surveillance should continue throughout and after service.

Member States should improve the recognition and compensation of occupational diseases, including evidence-based presumptions for specified cancers where justified. Confidential psychological support, access to specialist care, recovery time and rehabilitation must also form part of operational readiness.

CESI Secretry General Klaus Heeger said: "European cooperation must provide clear protections for firefighters deployed across borders. We call for written arrangements covering employment protections, insurance, healthcare, injury and death compensation, accommodation and rest before deployment. Firefighters and their trade unions must be enabled to help shape staffing, procurement, training and recovery plans. We call on the European Commission to establish a structured channel for European trade union involvement in the further development of wildfire risk management measures."

CESI's full resolution is available here.

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