Between 25 and 26 March 2025, the Fire University hosted the “Workshop on Civil Protection capacity building tools and EU funding opportunities” organized as part of the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
The event brought together representatives of European rescue services, civil protection experts, and delegates from EU institutions. The main focus was on sharing experiences, financial instruments, and cooperation mechanisms in the area of civil protection within the EU.
The workshop was officially opened by Mr. Gaetano Vivo, representative of DG ECHO, Deputy Chief Commander of the State Fire Service Col. Grzegorz Szyszko, Rector-Commandant of the Fire University Col. Tomasz Klimczak and Vice-Rector for Education and Students Col Tomasz Zwęgliński. In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of international cooperation in strengthening the operational capacities of rescue services and effectively utilizing EU funds for this purpose. The event was also attended by Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Mr. Wiesław Leśniakiewicz, who presented, among others, proposals related to the alert system.
An integral part of the program was a visit to the Firefighting Museum – the Center for Education and History of the Warsaw Fire Brigade, where unique exhibits were presented, documenting the development of firefighting techniques, the evolution of the firefighter's profession, and the role of the fire service during key moments in Polish history. The visit highlighted the importance of combining modern technology with tradition and experience that have shaped the effectiveness of rescue operations over the years.
The workshop provided an excellent opportunity to exchange insights, discuss current challenges facing rescue services, and develop new directions for cooperation. Participants unanimously stressed the importance of enhancing response capabilities at both national and European levels.
Thanks to initiatives like the “Workshop on Civil Protection capacity building tools and EU funding opportunities” it is possible to build strong civil protection structures and make more effective use of available resources and funding for the development of rescue services. The event demonstrated that Poland plays a key role in shaping the future of civil protection systems in Europe.
Photo: Tomasz Zamiela - Fire University
Photos from the Firefighting Museum – the Center for Education and History of the Warsaw Fire Brigade: Cadet: Milena Mrugalska
