Hundreds of European firefighters demonstrate in Brussels against cuts and austerity measures

Firefighters from more than 14 European countries — including Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and Greece — marched in Brussels on Tuesday to voice their demands for better staffing, safer working conditions and greater investment in fire services.

The demonstration was organised by the European Federation of Public Service Unions (EPSU) and Belgian trade unions on the sidelines of the European Civil Protection Forum, hosted by the European Commission.

Hundreds of firefighters gathered in front of the Tour & Taxis venue where the forum was being held. They were joined by environmental organisations, including Greenpeace and the Climate Coalition.

The action followed a summer marked by wildfires and "mega-fires" across Europe with the first responders sounding the alarm about their need for more resources. They are demanding more equipment and personnel to combat the consequences of climate change.

“Professional firefighters across Europe have had enough of promises that fail to match the reality on the ground. Eurostat figures show that the EU had 372,400 professional firefighters in 2025, down from 390,600 in 2024,” EPSU said in a statement.

“Rising retirement ages and budget cuts are putting further pressure on the profession,” the federation added.

“Everyone is ready to praise firefighters during wildfire season. Yet, as the EU negotiates its next long-term budget, proposed cuts threaten the very services Europe relies on,” said EPSU general secretary Jan Willem Goudriaan.

He warned that under the Irish Presidency’s latest proposal, “funding for the Union Civil Protection Mechanism would fall from €10.7 billion to €6.9 billion – a 35% reduction.”

Goudriaan added: “Funding for solidarity measures following natural disasters would fall from €20.1 billion to €9.1 billion – a 55% reduction. As climate change hits harder, Europe is cutting budgets and pushing deregulation. This is unacceptable.”

Photos: ©EPSU