Strengthening of fire safety regulations following the Grenfell Tower tragedy

30.6.2017

Question for written answer E-004393-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Neena Gill (S&D)

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy of 14 June 2017, 79 people are confirmed to have died, or are missing presumed dead.

The material and structure of the facade in Grenfell Tower are being analysed as an important factor that caused the fire to spread so rapidly.

The Grenfell tragedy has made clear the importance of properly implementing and further strengthening EU regulations on fire safety. It is therefore disappointing that the ‘Red Tape’ initiative, supported by the UK Government, was proposing that such potentially life-saving regulations be dismantled.

— What was the outcome of the Commission’s meeting of 16 June 2017 to discuss the development of a European approach to assess the fire performance of facades?— Does the Commission intend to develop a harmonised and rigorous performance‐based testing method for all facade systems as a vital measure to help increase fire safety across the EU?— A number of Member States require non-combustible products to be used on the facades of buildings above a certain height (12-25 meters). Will the Commission consider establishing a platform for Member States to exchange best practices and experience on fire safety issues?