Firefighters Association launched to represent EU fire services

European countries formalise union for firefighters

Representatives from 21 European countries have established the European Union Firefighters’ Association, according to CTIF.

The new organisation brings together firefighter associations from across the EU, aiming to serve as a central point of contact with European institutions.

CTIF President Milan Dubravac said the new body complements rather than replaces CTIF’s role, and is referenced in its statutes.

Dubravac said: “This new organisation will primarily be the contact point for firefighters with the European Union, and CTIF will be the voice.

“I also see this as being a potentially strong boost for the activities of our Commissions and Working Groups.”

CTIF General Secretary Roman Sykora described the development as “a huge step forward for European firefighters.”

Leaders elected and organisations named

CTIF reported that the first leadership team includes President Karl-Heinz Banse (Germany), with Vice Presidents Jean-Paul Bosland (France), Ante Sanader (Croatia), Robert Mayer (Austria), and Waldemar Pawlak (Poland).

Member associations that joined the new body represent fire services from 21 countries, including Belgium, Finland, Slovenia, Poland and Spain.

Participating organisations include the Deutscher Feuerwehrverband (Germany), Fédération Nationale des Sapeurs-Pompiers de France (France), and Związek Ochotniczych Straży Pożarnych Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej (Poland).

The founding assembly was held during the 3rd European Firefighting Summit at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences, supported by Magirus GmbH and MSA Safety.

International collaboration emphasised by members

According to the founding document, the association’s creation reflects the role of fire services in EU safety policy and aims to foster cross-border cooperation.

Karl-Heinz Banse said: “This association will represent firefighters across the EU in Brussels and Strasbourg, ensuring their interests are effectively advocated, emerging challenges are addressed early, and decisions are influenced proactively.

“International cooperation among fire departments is not just an option – it’s a necessity.

“In an increasingly connected world, disasters and emergencies know no borders.”

Jean-Paul Bosland said: “Today marks a milestone in the history of European firefighting.

“The establishment of the European Union Firefighters’ Association is a true step forward for our collaboration – we are strengthening our connections and speaking with one voice on behalf of all firefighters in the Union.

“This is a real paradigm shift: 21 countries, nearly as many languages and uniforms, united under one banner.

“I am thrilled to see this initiative come to life after 14 months of joint work with our German colleagues.

“This is just the beginning of a long journey.”

Broader political context and ongoing goals

Lena Düpont, Member of the European Parliament, welcomed the creation of the association, as reported by CTIF.

Düpont said: “The world is changing, and with it comes a great responsibility for firefighters.

“They are providing a European response to today’s challenges – this embodies the core of European unity.”

Robert Mayer added: “The creation of the European Firefighters’ Association is a significant milestone in strengthening connections and will give firefighters a strong voice at the European level.

“Firefighters are not lone warriors – they are team players.

“Good international cooperation was the foundation of this new association, which has now been officially established after months of work.

“The presence of 21 nations at the founding assembly is a powerful sign of unity and shared direction within the European Union.

“I am incredibly proud to be part of this as a representative of Austrian firefighters.”

Waldemar Pawlak stated: “In times of war, disrupted global cooperation, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, European firefighting collaboration is more crucial than ever.

“Common standards, experience-sharing, youth engagement, and technical harmonisation form the stable foundation of a resilient society.

“It is my personal mission to promote cross-border exchange, build strong networks, and effectively represent firefighters’ interests at the European level.

“Only together can we develop the best solutions and put them into practice – for the benefit of our citizens.”

Firefighters Association launched to represent EU fire services: Summary

Representatives from 21 European countries have established the European Union Firefighters’ Association.

The association was formed during the 3rd European Firefighting Summit.

CTIF reported that the association will engage with EU institutions on behalf of firefighters.

Karl-Heinz Banse from Germany was elected President of the new body.

Vice Presidents include representatives from France, Croatia, Austria and Poland.

CTIF President Milan Dubravac said the association complements CTIF’s existing role.

Member organisations come from countries including Belgium, Finland, Poland and Spain.

The founding document outlines the association’s role in EU safety and cooperation.

Jean-Paul Bosland described the initiative as a unifying step after 14 months of preparation.

Lena Düpont MEP welcomed the creation of the association in a public statement.

Robert Mayer and Waldemar Pawlak highlighted cross-border collaboration as a central aim.