/assets From heatwaves to fire risk - What Europe's refrigerant choices mean on the ground

09-11-2026

From heatwaves to fire risk - What Europe's refrigerant choices mean on the ground

From heatwaves to fire risk - What Europe's refrigerant choices mean on the ground

Please note that this event is taking place in-person only and will not be livestreamed.


This event is by invitation only. If you would like to attend, please contact juliette.burton@rapporteur.com.

As Europe experiences rising temperatures and growing demand for cooling, refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies are becoming increasingly important for households, businesses and essential services. From preserving food and medicines to maintaining comfortable indoor environments, reliable cooling plays a vital role in everyday life.

At the same time, Europe's cooling and refrigeration sector is undergoing a significant transition, driven by climate objectives, evolving EU regulations and technological innovation. The implementation of the revised F-gas Regulation and discussions surrounding proposed restrictions on PFAS are raising important questions about the environmental performance, safety, availability and suitability of different refrigerant technologies.

As manufacturers and users adapt to this changing regulatory landscape, policymakers must consider how to balance environmental ambitions with safety requirements, technological readiness and practical implementation. Different refrigerants present different benefits, risks and operational considerations, depending on their applications.

This Rapporteur policy debate will explore how Europe can ensure that its transition towards more sustainable cooling technologies is both safe and effective. Questions to be addressed:

- How can EU policy strike the right balance between climate objectives, consumer safety and the availability of reliable cooling and refrigeration technologies?
- How are the revised F-gas Regulation and proposed PFAS restrictions shaping the future of Europe's cooling sector, and what are the implications for manufacturers, installers and end users?
- Are existing European safety standards, testing procedures and risk assessments sufficient to support the wider deployment of different refrigerant technologies?
- What lessons can firefighters, insurers, manufacturers and technical experts offer policymakers to help improve equipment safety, emergency preparedness and public confidence?

Sponsored by:

Safe cooling Coalition launch: 9 Nov

Location

Rapporteur Office
Boulevard Charlemagne 1, 1041 Brussels

Google Maps

Panellists

To be announced soon.

Moderator

Dave Keating

Schedule

12:00 - 12:30 Registration of participants
12:30 – 12:35 Welcome
12:35 - 12:40 Introductory remarks
12:40 – 12:55 Panellist statements
12:55 – 13:40 Discussion and Q&A
13:40 – 13:45 Closing statements

Followed by a light networking lunch.

Contact

Juliette Burton
juliette.burton@rapporteur.com