The CTIF Hazmat Commission met in Rotterdam in May 2026 to address emerging CBRN and Hazardous Materials challenges
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From 6 to 8 May 2026, the 67th meeting of the CTIF Hazardous Materials Commission was hosted by the Unified Industry and Harbour Fire Service (Gezamenlijke Brandweer) in Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Delegates from across Europe, together with representatives from CERN, gathered to exchange experiences, discuss emerging risks, and strengthen international cooperation in the field of hazardous materials and CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) response.
The three-day meeting featured national reports, lessons learned from recent incidents, and discussions on future developments affecting emergency responders. Topics included battery fire suppression, PFAS contamination, asbestos management, radiological incidents, industrial accidents, drone threats, and mass decontamination strategies.
Several countries presented significant incidents and operational lessons. These included industrial explosions, recycling plant fires, wildfires, chemical releases, and CBRN-related response challenges. Delegates also discussed the increasing complexity of emergency management due to geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies, and the growing impact of the energy transition.
Six National CBRN reponse teams in the Netherlands by the end of 2027
The Netherlands presented ongoing developments in national CBRN preparedness, including plans to establish six national CBRN response teams by the end of 2027. In addition, preliminary results from Dutch research into the use of ultra-high-pressure water systems for extinguishing electric vehicle and truck battery fires were shared, showing promising outcomes.
International cooperation was a recurring theme throughout the meeting. Delegates explored the need for stronger knowledge-sharing networks, greater coordination between fire and rescue organisations, and closer collaboration within the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM).
Presentations highlighted lessons learned from international missions and emphasised the importance of building resilient civil protection and civil defence capabilities across Europe.
Asbestos Safety and Chemical Oil Spils Working Groups
The Commission also agreed to advance several new initiatives, including the creation of working groups on Asbestos Safety and Maritime Oil and Chemical Spill Response. Participants stressed the value of sharing operational experiences, harmonising terminology and procedures, and developing common approaches to emerging hazards.
The meeting concluded with an action plan for the coming months and preparations for the next CTIF Hazmat Commission meeting, which will be hosted by CERN in Switzerland from 13 to 17 October 2026. (*Currently happening as this text was published on CTIF.org. )
The Commission once again demonstrated the importance of international collaboration in enhancing responder safety, improving preparedness, and strengthening the collective ability to address hazardous materials and CBRN incidents across Europe and beyond.