#EUCanBeFireSafe campaign wins two EU Public Affairs awards

Fire Safe Europe’s #EUCanBeFireSafe campaign has picked up two accolades at the EuroPAwards.

In a ceremony held on 22 November, Fire Safe Europe won awards for ‘Lobbying the European Parliament’ and ‘Best NGO campaign of the year’.

In the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, Fire Safe Europe lobbied the European Parliament in the run-up to a plenary debate on fire safety in buildings on 13 September 2017.

The three-week campaign was set up to persuade the EU of the following:

1. That tests are needed, based on real‐life situations,  to evaluate the performance of facades in a fire
2. Introduce requirements to test the toxic smoke from construction products, and to label those products with their results so that builders and consumers can make informed choices
3. Develop a European fire safety strategy so the EU has a coordinated approach to fire safety in buildings

Firefighters lent their support by making their presence felt outside the parliament during the debate, even bringing a fire truck.

More than 1,000 people signed an #EUCanBeFireSafe petition on Avaaz urging the EU to take concerted action.

Fire Safe Europe has paid tribute to the 29 MEPs who backed the cause by urging action during the debate.

Fire Information Exchange Platform (FIEP)

The Saper Vedere agency was appointed to develop creative ways of conveying the organisation’s message to the EU.

More important than the awards, the campaign helped persuade the EU to take steps towards legislative progress.

“A big thank you to all our supporters,” said Juliette Albiac, managing director of Fire Safe Europe. “Not only have we won two EuroPAwards, but most importantly, the European Commission announced the creation of a Fire Information Exchange Platform (FIEP), where Member States and stakeholders can discuss fire safety issues and work together on solutions.

“Fire Safety is now on the agenda of the EU and by working together we will keep improving fire safety in Europe for all citizens. The #EUCanBeFireSafe campaign is an inclusive campaign and everyone is welcome to participate in this crucial debate.”

Founded in 2011 Fire Safe Europe brings together fire-safety experts, firefighters, life-safety manufacturers and European associations with the purpose of lobbying the EU to update and enhance legislative protections around fire safety in buildings.