EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about problems with data breaches, emergency call and alert outages, Denmark’s new mental health 112 service line, our upcoming webinars and events, and much more.
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EENA News
A draft programme for the EENA 2025 Conference is published!
Join us in Helsinki, Finland on 9-11 April for the 2025 EENA Conference & Exhibition! The three-day conference is packed with insightful sessions, cutting-edge technologies, and valuable networking opportunities.
Over two-and-a-half days, we will explore key topics in emergency communications, including:
- Operational challenges in PSAPs
- Public warning systems
- Next-Generation eCall implementation
- Meeting EU legislation requirements
- AI applications
- NG112 standards
Take a look at the draft programme here!
Plan your trip to Helsinki
Our conference website includes all the practical details to help you organise your trip. You’ll find information on getting around Helsinki, booking your accommodation, and accessing discount codes for selected hotels to make your stay more affordable.
EENA is now on Bluesky!
After thoughtful consideration, EENA has decided to leave X and Facebook. Our accounts will be archived and remain inactive.
Join us now on Bluesky! You can find us there at @eena.org. We will also remain active on our LinkedIn account.
Wondering how to move from X to Bluesky? Read here how!
Knowledge for Action in Prevention & Preparedness: 2025 call for proposals
The European Commission’s Knowledge for Action in Prevention & Preparedness (KAPP) 2025 call was published in January on the Funding & Tender Opportunities portal, with submissions opening on 4 February 2025. This call supports projects enhancing cooperation in disaster prevention and preparedness, testing environments, and full-scale field exercises, contributing to the EU’s disaster resilience goals.
EENA is looking for project partners
Are you working on a proposal related to emergency communications or public safety? EENA is actively seeking collaborations in EU-funded projects. If you are preparing a proposal and think our expertise could add value, don’t hesitate to get in touch! For possible partnerships, contact Alexis Gizikis at [email protected].
Registration is open for ETSI NGeCall Plugtests
ETSI, in collaboration with EENA and other partners, is organising the NG eCall Plugtests 2025 from 10-13 June 2025 in Bonn, Germany, hosted by Deutsche Telekom. The event will test Next Generation (NG) eCall interoperability between In-Vehicle Systems (IVS) and Public Safety Answering Points (PSAP) over 4G/5G networks, ensuring compliance with EU regulations requiring NG eCall deployment by 1 January 2026.
Help improve emergency warnings
EENA is taking part in the EU-funded AWARE project, developing a solution using Galileo’s Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) to ensure alerts reach people even when ground networks fail. The AWARE module can be integrated into display panels, loudspeakers, and building infrastructure to provide timely, accurate warnings.
We invite you to take part in this short survey to help us better understand user requirements and stakeholder needs. Your insights will contribute to a more refined system, enhancing public safety for citizens across Europe. Participation is voluntary, and your feedback will play an important role in shaping the future of emergency warning systems.
Webinars
Insights from the Public Warning Report Card
13 February 2025, 14:30 CET
EENA published its Public Warning Report Card last December, detailing how public warning systems are rolled out across European countries. In this webinar, EENA’s Public Affairs Director Benoit Vivier will present the main elements of the document, highlighting the differences in technologies, implementations and strategies. This includes, among other things, an overview of the rollout of cell broadcast, location-based SMS and other channels in different channels, the level at which the alerts are sent, the languages in which they are sent, and considerations for cybersecurity.
The webinar is open for EENA members only.
Add to your calendar.
Register to the webinar.
Key Strategies to a Successful NG112 Roadmap
25 February 2025, 14:30 CET
The transition from analogue to digital technology is underway, yet the systems we rely on to save lives are falling behind. The EU has required the public authorities to develop and implement an NG112 roadmap. While each locality is unique, there are some common steps on the path that lead to full NG112 implementation. During this webinar, we will discuss some of the key considerations of NG112 roadmap development as well as the tender and contract process needed.
Implementing real-time text (RTT) in PSAPs: Challenges, insights, and lessons learned
25 March 2025, 14:30 CET
For PSAPs exploring real-time text (RTT), key questions remain about seamless integration into emergency systems. This webinar will focus on native RTT implementation, offering a secure and efficient approach. Hrvatski Autoklub (HAK), the first in Europe to deploy a full RTT network, will share their experience, challenges, and results from working with Beta 80 Group. Drawing from real-world experience, HAK will share the challenges faced during implementation and the results achieved by working with Beta 80 Group to integrate RTT into their operations.
This webinar is sponsored by Beta 80 Group. The webinar is open exclusively to public safety professionals and emergency service representatives.
Emergency communications around the world
Slovenia investigates major 112 emergency call data breach
Slovenian authorities are investigating a major data breach involving 112 emergency calls for medical assistance, after sensitive information appeared on the dark web before being removed on 15 January. The Defence Ministry denied that its systems or those of the Administration for Civil Protection and Disaster Relief were compromised, suggesting the breach occurred elsewhere. Reports indicate that over 15 million data entries, including names, locations, and symptoms, were offered for sale, with hackers claiming access to real-time emergency data and regional information centres. Authorities suspect an insider leak, as no external hacking has been detected. The Government Information Security Office and National Cybersecurity Response Team (SI-CERT) are investigating. The breach follows a series of cyber incidents in Slovenia, including a 2023 cyberattack on power utility HSE.
Read more here (The Slovenia Times).
FTC announces first settlement with GM for selling connected vehicle data
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached a settlement with GM and OnStar for collecting and selling driving data without proper consent, including precise geolocation information. Under the agreement, GM is banned from sharing sensitive data with consumer reporting agencies for five years and must improve transparency on how it collects and uses vehicle data. This marks the FTC’s first action on connected vehicle data and follows a recent Department of Commerce ban on vehicle software and hardware from China and Russia due to national security concerns.
Three UK outage disrupts 999 calls
Three UK experienced a major outage on 23 January, preventing some customers from making 999 emergency calls. The issue, also affecting Smarty and iD Mobile, saw over 10,000 outage reports, though data services remained unaffected. Three UK stated that services were restored by 24 January, with BT confirming normal emergency call volumes. However, the incident is likely to draw regulatory scrutiny, as UK communications regulator Ofcom has previously fined operators for 999 failures, including £1.9 million for Three UK in 2017 and £17.5 million for BT in 2023.
FCC fines TV station for emergency alert violations
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a $369,190 fine against Corridor Television (KCWX-TV) for repeatedly violating Emergency Alert System (EAS) rules over three years. The violations include failing to transmit required Nationwide EAS Tests, not filing mandatory reports, and misrepresenting compliance in filings. Corridor admitted to errors but cited staff inexperience and procedural mistakes. The FCC rejected these excuses, stressing that licensees are fully responsible for compliance. This enforcement action highlights the importance of proper training and strict adherence to EAS regulations for broadcasters.
Denmark to offer mental health support on 112 emergency service line
Denmark has confirmed that emergency mental health assistance will be integrated into its 112 emergency number, allowing people in crisis to access round-the-clock support. The decision, backed by parliament, will merge psychiatric services with the existing emergency line and the out-of-hours doctor service. The initiative includes enhanced psychiatric expertise in emergency response and strengthened mobile crisis teams. Based on Danish Health Authority recommendations, the system will be phased in during 2025 and fully implemented by 2026.
Trump considers overhaul of FEMA while touring disaster areas
During visits to disaster-hit areas in California and North Carolina, President Donald Trump suggested eliminating The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and shifting disaster relief funds directly to states. While pledging support, he criticized state policies, urged faster rebuilding approvals, and downplayed environmental concerns. In North Carolina, recovering from Hurricane Helene, Trump blamed the previous administration and appointed RNC Chair Michael Whatley to oversee recovery despite his lack of an official role. His remarks signal a potential shift in federal disaster response as climate-related disasters intensify.
EENA was here
A glimpse of the recent events EENA has taken part in.
Kick-off for the Sunshine project
23 January 2025
EENA, a member of the consortium for the EU-funded project SUNSHINE, took part in the Kick-Off Meeting in Brussels, at the headquarters of the European Commission. Exacerbated by climate change, natural and man-made disasters are becoming more frequent and extreme, endangering the safety of EU citizens. The assets of the EU Space Programme (such as Galileo’s Emergency Warning Satellite System) hold a lot of potential for managing disasters – and SUNSHINE will help national civil protection authorities benefit from it. Through a wide training campaign for all EU Member States, SUNSHINE aims to enhance the understanding and use of EU space data, promote the adoption and implementation of Galileo’s EWSS in national systems, and create new opportunities for development and improvement.
ETSI EMTEL Meeting
28-29 January 2025
EENA took part in the 62nd ETSI EMTEL meeting. In this meeting, work was carried out on standards for NG112, PEMEA, and accessible access to emergency services, among other topics.