An analysis by the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has revealed a reduction in the number of firefighters across 12 EU member states in 2023, including Cyprus, which experienced the second-largest decrease. This decline comes despite the growing risk of wildfires due to climate change, as highlighted by recent data from the EU Labor Force Survey and Eurostat.

According to the data, 362,400 firefighters were employed across the EU in 2023, an increase of 3,200 compared to 2022. However, despite this overall rise, several countries, including Cyprus, Greece, and Italy, saw significant reductions in their firefighting forces.

These countries were hit by severe wildfires that year, which was recorded as the second hottest in Europe's history.

In Cyprus, the number of firefighters decreased by 561 in 2023, dropping from 1,961 in 2022 to 1,400—representing a reduction of 28.6%. The country with the largest decrease was Lithuania, with a 50.1% reduction, while Finland ranked third with a 28% decline.

In a statement, the ETUC urged the EU and its member states not to exacerbate the situation by returning to austerity measures. The union warned that the European Commission's recent initiation of the "excessive deficit procedure" for a quarter of EU member states could lead to further budget cuts, worsening the situation.

The ETUC emphasized that the EU must invest in a just transition to a green economy, ensuring that quality jobs are created while financially supporting public services. The data also revealed that 2023 marked the second consecutive year of firefighter reductions in Germany, Hungary, Romania, and Sweden.

"The reduction in the number of firefighters at a time when the climate crisis is increasing the risk of fires is not what we need—it's irresponsible," said ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch. "These cuts endanger public safety, the environment, and the remaining firefighters, who are now expected to combat more frequent and severe fires with fewer resources and less rest," she added.