Fire Safe Europe and others call for fire safety in EU energy and housing agenda

As reported by Fire Safe Europe, three European fire safety organisations have jointly called on Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing, to prioritise fire safety as part of Europe’s energy and housing policies.

In a letter addressed to Jørgensen, Fire Safe Europe, the European Fire Safety Alliance (EuroFSA), and FEEDS emphasised the importance of embedding fire safety into the EU’s decarbonisation and sustainability agenda.

They expressed concern that efforts to improve energy efficiency through technologies such as EV charging stations, photovoltaic panels, and battery storage systems could pose increased fire risks without proper safety measures.

The organisations stressed: “Energy-efficient buildings must be fire-safe buildings.”

Urgent need to integrate fire safety into EU policies

The letter pointed out that the integration of fire safety into energy and housing policies is critical to protecting lives, preventing economic losses, and ensuring the effectiveness of the EU’s decarbonisation efforts.

The organisations have developed a European Fire Safety Strategy, which outlines practical measures for enhancing fire safety across Europe.

This strategy has been supported by multiple MEPs, including Niels Fuglsang and Sean Kelly.

They urged Jørgensen to consider the strategy as a key component of his policy objectives, saying: “By embedding fire safety into your agenda, you will ensure that Europe’s buildings not only meet sustainability targets but are also resilient and safe.”

Collaboration offered by fire safety groups

In their letter, Fire Safe Europe, EuroFSA, and FEEDS expressed their willingness to assist the Commissioner-designate in developing policies that incorporate fire safety.

They stated their readiness to meet with Jørgensen or his team to discuss how fire safety can be integrated into his strategic objectives for energy and housing.

The letter concluded with a request for a meeting to further explore how fire safety can be made a priority, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts across Europe to ensure both sustainability and safety in the building sector.

Support from European Parliament members

The organisations pointed out that their approach aligns with the wider goals of sustainability and safety across the EU.

In particular, their European Fire Safety Strategy is supported by a broad cross-section of the European Parliament, indicating the strong political backing for integrating fire safety into the EU’s energy and housing agenda.

They concluded by urging Jørgensen to consider the strategy as part of his work and expressed their commitment to supporting his team in any capacity necessary to advance fire safety objectives.

European fire safety organisations call for fire safety prioritisation: Summary

Fire Safe Europe, EuroFSA, and FEEDS have written to Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner-designate for Energy and Housing, calling for fire safety to be embedded in the EU’s energy and housing policies.

The letter warns that technologies used to enhance energy efficiency, such as EV charging stations and photovoltaic panels, could increase fire risks if safety measures are not included in the EU’s sustainability efforts.

The organisations have developed a European Fire Safety Strategy supported by MEPs and offered their collaboration to help Jørgensen incorporate fire safety into his strategic priorities.

They emphasised that energy-efficient buildings must also be fire-safe buildings.