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New fire safety rules for high-rise buildings now in effect across Europe

From cladding bans to mandatory evacuation plans, Europe's push for safer high-rises begins now. Will these changes be enough to prevent another disaster?

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2 min read
The image shows a group of firefighters wearing helmets and holding pipes in their hands, working...
The image shows a group of firefighters wearing helmets and holding pipes in their hands, working to put out a fire at a building. We can see the fire and smoke rising from the building, as well as a wooden fence at the bottom of the image. On the right side of the picture, there is a signboard attached to the wall of the building.

New fire safety rules for high-rise buildings now in effect across Europe

New fire safety rules for high-rise buildings have come into force, requiring developers to submit detailed fire statements before gaining planning permission. The changes follow recommendations from Dame Judith Hackitt's review after the Grenfell Tower tragedy and mark the first step in a wider push to improve safety standards across Europe.

The system, called Planning Gateway One, is the first in a series of measures to ensure fire safety is considered at the earliest stages of planning. Developers of higher-risk buildingsā€”defined as those 18 metres or taller with multiple homes or educational spacesā€”must now provide a fire safety strategy before approval. This approach aims to prevent fire risks from being treated as an afterthought.

The rules reflect broader shifts in European regulations inspired by Hackitt's findings. France introduced stricter cladding bans and mandatory risk assessments in 2018, while Germany updated its fire standards in 2020 to prioritise non-combustible materials and evacuation plans. The Netherlands also tightened facade testing and sprinkler requirements in 2019, and the EU's 2022 Construction Products Regulation now demands compliance with Hackitt-aligned safety principles by 2025. Critics warn that focusing only on certain building types could create a two-tier system, leaving other structures with less scrutiny. They also highlight that current classifications may not account for modern construction techniques or how risks evolve as buildings age. The new process is designed to adapt to these challenges by ensuring fire safety remains a priority throughout a building's lifespan.

The changes mean all high-rise developments must now prove their fire safety plans before construction begins. The move aligns with wider European efforts to prevent disasters like Grenfell, though concerns remain about whether the rules go far enough. Developers and regulators will need to monitor how effectively the system addresses evolving risks in the years ahead.

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