10 Apr 2025
Discover our position paper calling the EU to make fire safety a core pillar of its housing policies
As Europe prepares for a major push on housing policy under the new Commission and Parliament, a new position paper released today calls on EU institutions to put fire safety at the heart of housing policy.
The paper, titled "Fire Safety Should Be a Priority of the EU’s Housing Agenda", outlines concrete proposals to ensure that the EU’s future housing initiatives—especially those focused on affordability, energy efficiency, and decarbonisation—do not overlook the vital role of fire safety.
With 35 million buildings targeted for renovation under the EU Green Deal and Renovation Wave, the risk of fire in inadequately protected homes is growing. The paper highlights how aging infrastructure, energy poverty, and the rollout of new technologies (like PV panels and EV chargers) are introducing new fire risks, particularly for vulnerable communities.
The paper calls for the development of a European Fire Safety Strategy and outlines key recommendations, including:
Integrating fire safety in renovation and planning tools
Harmonising fire safety standards and inspection regimes
Strengthening fire safety data collection across Member States
Promoting professional competence and fire safety education
Addressing fire safety risks in social and affordable housing
This is a timely call to action as the European Commission prepares the first European Affordable Housing Plan, and as the European Parliament’s new Special Committee on Housing (HOUS) begins its work.
Read the full paper: