CTIF Competitions 2026 in Berlin cancelled due to funding shortfall
Iain Hoey
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Berlin event cancellation confirmed by German CTIF Committee
The 2026 CTIF Competitions in Berlin have been cancelled due to financial concerns, according to the International Association of Fire and Rescue Services (CTIF).
The update was issued on 24 June 2025 by CTIF President Milan Dubravac, following formal correspondence from the German National CTIF Committee.
According to the committee, the planned event would have involved around 3,500 competitors from over 30 countries, alongside more than 10,000 spectators.
The Berlin Fire Brigade had been selected to host both the 18th International Firefighting Competitions and the 25th International Youth Firefighting Meeting in conjunction with the brigade’s anniversary.
The CTIF Executive Committee confirmed it is working on alternative plans and will communicate updates when available.
CTIF acknowledges Berlin withdrawal and outlines scale of event
The German National CTIF Committee stated that the application to host the 2026 CTIF Competitions was accepted by the CTIF Delegates’ Assembly on 20 June 2024.
The event was expected to be a large-scale sporting competition for professional and youth firefighters.
The committee described the CTIF Competitions as an international event occurring every four years, attracting participants and audiences globally.
The Berlin Fire Brigade was a central partner in planning, given its status as Germany’s oldest and largest professional fire service.
Preparations had been underway for both youth and adult firefighting teams to take part in technical skill and athletic performance-based disciplines.
Cost estimation and financial risks cited as key factors
The committee estimated total event costs at €3 million.
In the official letter, the German organisers explained that actual costs could be significantly higher due to market uncertainty and inflation.
They said the decision followed detailed analysis and internal consultation.
They cited the lack of reliable and sufficient funding as the determining reason for cancelling the event.
Organisers explained that national and regional conditions made financial commitment infeasible.
Political and social uncertainty in Germany affected planning
The letter from Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Firefighting Association, stated that broader political and economic pressures had impacted feasibility.
These include upcoming Bundestag and state elections and general uncertainty linked to recent political and social shifts.
The committee referred to Germany’s proclaimed “turning point” and wider geopolitical instability.
It also acknowledged rising international threats and the visible consequences of climate change.
These combined factors, it said, created an unsuitable environment for delivering a major international sporting event.
CTIF to announce alternative plans at a later date
The CTIF Executive Committee confirmed that work is underway to find a new host or revised plan for the next CTIF Competitions.
In its update, the organisation assured participants and member countries that further information will be shared in due course.
The German National CTIF Committee expressed its appreciation for the trust placed in it by CTIF.
It also acknowledged the discussions held throughout the planning period.
CTIF has not yet announced whether the 2026 event will be rescheduled or relocated.
CTIF Competitions 2026 in Berlin cancelled due to funding shortfall: Summary
The 2026 CTIF Competitions in Berlin have been cancelled.
CTIF confirmed the update on 24 June 2025.
The decision followed a letter from the German National CTIF Committee.
The event was due to involve around 3,500 participants and 10,000 spectators.
It was to include both adult and youth firefighting competitions.
The CTIF Delegates’ Assembly awarded hosting rights to Germany in June 2024.
The Berlin Fire Brigade was selected as the host partner.
Organisers estimated costs at a minimum of €3 million.
They said actual costs may be higher due to inflation and other risks.
They cited the inability to secure full funding as the primary reason for cancellation.
Political and economic instability in Germany was also cited.
These included upcoming elections and wider international tensions.
The committee thanked CTIF for its support.
The CTIF Executive Committee is working on an alternative plan.
Further updates will be shared when available.