Fire and rescue leaders from across Europe have called for stronger strategic leadership and deeper cross-border cooperation to address an increasingly complex range of threats facing public safety services.
The call came during the 2026 Leadership Conference hosted by the Federation of European Fire Officers (FEU) in Hannover on 3 and 4 June, where senior fire and rescue professionals gathered to discuss the future of leadership within Europe’s fire and civil protection sectors.
Following the event, the FEU issued a statement reaffirming the critical role that future-focused leadership will play in maintaining the resilience and effectiveness of fire and rescue services across Europe.
Delegates highlighted the growing range of challenges facing emergency services, including geopolitical instability, hybrid threats, climate-related emergencies, digital vulnerabilities and increasing public expectations.
According to the FEU, these evolving risks require leaders who can anticipate future challenges, think strategically and work effectively across national and organisational boundaries.
The conference placed particular emphasis on leadership development as a key component of long-term resilience, with the organisation highlighting the success of its Officer Development Program (ODP), launched five years ago to support the next generation of fire and rescue leaders.
The programme was established to strengthen strategic thinking, encourage international collaboration and provide emerging leaders with a European network capable of supporting cross-border cooperation during future emergencies.
Conference discussions also focused on the wider factors required to strengthen resilience across Europe’s emergency response systems. Delegates agreed that preparedness extends beyond operational capability and depends on effective governance, long-term planning and the ability to manage organisational change within public safety institutions.
The FEU said strengthening leadership capacity will be essential as fire and rescue services adapt to increasingly interconnected risks that frequently extend beyond national borders.
In its concluding statement, the organisation called for greater cooperation between European fire and civil protection agencies, alongside sustained investment in leadership development and strategic planning.
The FEU said safeguarding communities against future threats will require coordinated European action, stronger strategic alignment and a collective commitment to building resilience across borders.
The conference conclusions are expected to inform ongoing discussions among fire and rescue leaders as services across Europe continue to adapt to a rapidly changing risk landscape.