FEU Leadership Conference 2026

Program

Strategic Response in a Disrupted World As Europe and the world face unprecedented challenges — from hybrid threats and rapid societal shifts to climate change — the need for decisive, resilient leadership in fire services and civil defense has never been greater. The FEU Leadership Conference brings together top leaders from across the sector to explore the evolving landscape of civil defense and equip them with the insights needed to navigate today’s and tomorrow’s challenges. This conference is structured to serve as a platform for exchange at the highest level, where policy, practice, and leadership converge.

Our focus is on preparing leaders who are ready to confront and manage disruption head-on, ensuring the safety and resilience of communities in an ever-changing Europe and world. The two-day program combines strategic discussions, practical insights, and peer-to-peer learning.

Day 1 focuses on the strategic domain of fire services and civil defense. Delegates will hear from prominent leaders and senior representatives of the European Commission, NATO, and other key institutions, NGO’s, as well as leading figures from North America and Asia. Discussions will address how civil defense and fire services must adapt to emerging risks, cross-border challenges, and the demands of a rapidly changing environment.

Day 2 begins with morning sessions on climate change, highlighting wildfires in Europe, resilience strategies, cooperation across European fire services and the role of innovation and technology in managing extreme events. In the afternoon, attention shifts to leadership in disruption, examining what today’s leaders must do to guide organizations through uncertainty, sustain public trust, and drive transformation in an increasingly volatile world.

The detailed program on the following pages sets out two days of deliberate dialogue, expert insight, and a shared commitment to strengthening the resilience of fire and civil protection services in an era of disruption. We look forward to engaging with you in this vital conversation and to shaping a stronger, more resilient future.