Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu, in a written answer on 22 July 2026, outlined existing and planned EU measures to address occupational health risks for firefighters, but stopped short of announcing new dedicated funding or a specific inclusion of the profession in the upcoming EU strategic framework on health and safety at work. The answer, responding to a parliamentary question by MEP Fredis Beleris (PPE), points to the provisional agreement reached on 23 June 2026 on the sixth revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic Substances Directive (CMRD) as a key legislative step. Mînzatu noted that the next Multiannual Financial Framework (2028-2034) and National and Regional Partnership Plans encourage Member States to invest in line with European priorities, and that measures supporting implementation of an updated CMRD could be funded if they contribute to the regulation's objectives. However, she did not commit to ring-fenced EU funding for modernising personal protective equipment or decontamination, instead referencing existing EU instruments for stockpiling critical equipment and strengthening health and civil protection systems. On the future strategic framework, Mînzatu stated that its content will involve consultations with relevant stakeholders, without guaranteeing explicit inclusion of firefighters.
She highlighted the March 2026 Communication on integrated wildfire risk management and the June 2026 Council Recommendation, which stress the need for adequate protection, equipment, and training for firefighters. By 2028, the Commission plans to launch a study to monitor firefighters' exposure to wildfires and related long-term health impacts. The answer provides no concrete financial commitments or legislative timeline beyond the CMRD revision, leaving key demands from Beleris – on dedicated MFF funding and explicit inclusion in the next strategic framework – unaddressed.