Firefighters from 19 countries protest EU disaster budget cuts in Brussels

Approximately 1,000 firefighters from 19 nations protested in Brussels, advocating for better equipment, staffing, and healthcare ahead of EU budget discussions. The European Federation of Public Service Unions highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of wildfires due to climate change, with 692,419 hectares burned in the EU this year alone. The protest coincided with a civil protection conference where budget cuts for disaster management were criticized, with proposed funding dropping from over €10 billion to under €7 billion. Firefighters emphasized the need for adequate support and healthcare, citing risks associated with their profession, including PTSD and higher cancer rates among retirees.