FEU Leadership Conference to unite European fire leaders at Interschutz 2026 in Germany
Iain Hoey
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FEU Leadership Conference to run at Interschutz
The Federation of European Fire Officers will host the inaugural FEU Leadership Conference on 3–4 June 2026 at Interschutz in Hannover, Germany.
According to the organisation, more than 300 senior leaders from fire and civil protection agencies across Europe and international partner nations are expected to attend.
The event will run under the theme Safeguarding Tomorrow and will focus on strategic leadership under hybrid threats, geopolitical instability, digital risks and climate-driven emergencies.
Stephan Wevers of the Federation of European Fire Officers said: “It is my pleasure to invite you to the FEU Leadership Conference, to be held on 3–4 June 2026 during Interschutz in Hannover, Germany.
“With this first edition, our ambition is to build Europe’s premier strategic platform for the leaders who shape the future of our fire and civil protection services.”
Wevers stated: “Across the world, we face a convergence of pressures such as hybrid threats, geopolitical instability, digital vulnerability, extreme climate events, and rising expectations from our citizens.
“The need for clear-headed, future-oriented leadership has never been greater.”
Day one to examine strategy and security
The Federation of European Fire Officers said day one of the FEU Leadership Conference will focus on global strategy and security.
Sessions will examine Europe’s readiness in a volatile geopolitical environment and the role of fire and rescue services in wider security structures.
Planned contributors for the first day include EU Commissioner Hadja Lahbib, NATO leadership, senior representatives from Ukraine’s State Fire Service and the Director General of the Estonian Rescue Board.
According to the programme overview, discussions will cover how national systems are adapting to emerging risks and how cross-border coordination can be strengthened.
Keynote sessions, high-level dialogues and peer-to-peer exchanges are planned across the day.
Climate, innovation and leadership on day two
The Federation of European Fire Officers confirmed that the second day will focus on climate, innovation and leadership.
Topics on day two include Europe’s climate preparedness, operational lessons from major wildfires, approaches to cross-border response, workforce development and leadership through disruption.
Speakers listed for this day include representatives from the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, LA County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone, Dutch and Australian wildfire specialists, leadership researcher Ritika Radwa, London Fire Commissioner Jonathan Smith and Singapore Civil Defence Force Commissioner Eric Yap.
The Federation of European Fire Officers stated that the sessions will look at the technologies, alliances and leadership approaches needed to operate in a rapidly changing risk environment.
Across both days, the programme will also include sponsor briefings and contributions from agencies involved in shaping policy and operational practice.
Delegate package and practical details
The Federation of European Fire Officers outlined a delegate package that combines conference access with Interschutz opportunities.
Participation includes two full days of conference sessions.
Delegates also receive one-week access to Interschutz with VIP Lounge entry and a guided VIP tour hosted by Interschutz.
The package includes a VIP FEU Dinner on 3 June with senior European and international representatives.
The Federation of European Fire Officers has reserved hotel options near the venue for participants.
Optional attendance at Exhibitors’ Night is also available to delegates.
Wevers said: “We encourage organizations to secure participation early due to expected high demand.”
The organisation stated that Early Bird tickets are available until 15 January 2026 and that registration is now open.
Invitation to senior fire and civil protection leaders
The Federation of European Fire Officers stated that the conference is aimed at fire chiefs, senior officers, directors and policymakers.
The organisation said the event is for leaders responsible for capability development, preparedness, international cooperation, climate resilience and strategic planning within fire and civil protection systems.
In his message to potential delegates, Wevers said: “It is our shared responsibility to shape the strategic direction of our sector at a time when Europe’s resilience is being tested on multiple fronts.”
“Review the programme. Secure your Early Bird tickets. Share this invitation across your national networks. Your voice and leadership matter.
“I look forward to welcoming you in Hannover and working together to strengthen the resilience of world’s fire and rescue services.”
The Federation of European Fire Officers advised that further information and assistance are available via [email protected].
How this conference could shape senior leadership planning
The FEU Leadership Conference brings together fire chiefs, senior officers, directors and policymakers who oversee strategy and capability development within fire and civil protection systems.
For these groups, the focus on hybrid threats, geopolitical instability, digital vulnerability and climate-driven emergencies provides structured input for long-term risk planning and service design.
Sessions involving the European Commission, NATO and national agencies give senior leaders a shared frame of reference when aligning national strategies with wider European security and resilience objectives.
Programme elements on workforce development and leadership through disruption are directly connected to those responsible for organisational change and talent planning in fire and rescue services.
Operational insights from international wildfire specialists and chiefs, including from LA County Fire Department, are of practical interest to emergency and disaster response managers dealing with climate-related incidents.
The combination of keynotes, dialogues and peer exchange supports senior leaders who are reviewing cooperation models, cross-border response arrangements and future investment priorities.