From September 9 to 13, 2026, representatives of chimney sweep organizations from 16 European countries gathered in Piešťany, Slovakia, for the ESCHFOE Congress. The event focused on professional exchange, joint representation of interests at the European level, and the further development of the profession.
Among other topics, the delegates discussed energy efficiency, fire protection, ventilation and indoor air quality, new building technology, as well as education and qualifications. A key objective is to develop shared technical positions and further strengthen the voice of the chimney sweep trade toward European institutions. At the same same time, knowledge transfer and the exchange of best practices among member countries are to be expanded.
During the elections, Petteri Virranta from Finland was unanimously elected as 1st Vice President, and Christian Plesar from Austria was unanimously elected as 2nd Vice President. The auditors and their deputies were also newly elected: Jaroslav Schön and Peter Rolfmark will serve as auditors, while Paul Grässli and Søren Bryde were elected as deputy auditors. ESCHFOE President Alexis Gula was not up for election at this congress; the presidential election will take place according to schedule at the congress in two years. Further focus areas included the creation of a European working group for training, a stronger presence of the profession at EuroSkills, and the continuation of international cooperation in the field of ventilation.
The assembly of delegates also honored the long-standing services of Michael Verderber from Austria. He served ESCHFOE for 40 years and held the office of ESCHFOE Vice President from 2002 to 2026. He was particularly dedicated to European standardization and surveys regarding the situation of chimney sweep businesses in European states. As he did not stand for re-election, the delegates elected him Honorary Vice President. President Alexis Gula thanked him for his extraordinary commitment and perseverance in championing the shared concerns of European chimney sweep organizations.
Alongside the deliberations, a varied supporting program—including a visit to the Slovak Parliament in Bratislava and a discussion with a member of the Slovak Parliament—provided opportunities for personal encounters. The congress made it clear: European chimney sweep organizations aim to pool their expertise, learn from one another, and shape their future with a united voice. The next Technical Conference will take place in Finland in 2027; the next ESCHFOE Congress is scheduled for 2028 in France.