EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about ETSI’s new technical standard document, Greece’s 112 upgrade, French Polynesia launching FR-Alert, our upcoming events and webinars, and much more.
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EENA News
Happy New Year 2025!
Thank you to our community for all the support and collaboration throughout 2024. As we start the new year, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to continuing our shared mission of improving safety and security for all.
Register now for the EENA 2025 Conference & Exhibition!
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.
Our programme will explore topics related to implementing EU legislation requirements, AI applications, NG112 standards, operational topics, and more.
Don’t forget early bird registration! If you register for the Conference before 31 January 2025, the price for members is 125 EUR (excluding VAT). After 31 January, the member’s price is 150 EUR (excluding VAT).
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.
Seminar on EU Legislation & Regulation
We are excited to announce an upcoming member’s seminar on EU legislation and regulation, taking place in Brussels, Belgium, in November/December 2025 (exact date to be confirmed). Stay tuned for further details!
Have you seen our members-only Public Warning Report Card?
The Public Warning Report Card, published in December 2024, is an in-depth evaluation of public warning systems across Europe. It’s an exclusive resource for EENA members examining technologies, strategies, and best practices, highlighting how effective public warning systems save lives and build resilience in the face of emergencies. It also addresses emerging challenges such as inclusivity, cybersecurity, and adapting to new technologies like 4G and 5G.
The Public Warning Report Card was made possible thanks to the support of Opencode.
Webinars
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 NG 112 Roadmap. While each locality is unique, there are some common steps on the path that lead to full NG 112 implementation. During this webinar, we will discuss some of the key considerations of NG 112 Roadmap development as well as the tender and contract process needed.
More of our upcoming webinars for January and February will be announced soon! All our upcoming webinars will be published on our website.
Did you miss our latest webinar?
The recording and presentations of our recent webinar on Enhancing cardiac emergency responses with volunteer first responders in Europe’s rural areas are now available on our website!
Standardisation news
ETSI publishes technical specification document on total conversation access to emergency services
ETSI has published a technical specification document entitled ETSI TS101 470 V1.2.1 (2024-12) Total Conversation Access to Emergency Services. This document explains total conversation, as defined in ITU-T Recommendation F.703, which integrates video, real-time text (RTT), and audio into a multimedia service. Widely adopted in Europe, it supports individuals with disabilities by offering video (e.g., sign language) and RTT as alternatives to voice calls. It also details how total conversation enables access to emergency services, ensuring effective communication for both users and PSAP call-takers, particularly benefiting those with hearing, speech, or communication-related disabilities.
Emergency communications around the world
Greece to upgrade their 112 emergency number
The Greek Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, has signed a €17.5 million contract to upgrade Greece’s 112 emergency number. The new system will feature advanced technologies, including geolocation, video calling, and a silent button for emergencies or hostage situations. Kikilias highlighted that the upgrade will enhance accessibility for people with disabilities and improve coordination between emergency services such as the fire service, police, Coast Guard, and armed forces. This marks the first major upgrade since 2014 when 112 was integrated into Greece’s civil protection system to provide timely warnings and save lives.
Read more here (Ekathimerini).
French Polynesia prepares to launch FR-Alert
French Polynesia is gearing up for the deployment of FR-Alert, a mobile-based alert system designed to inform and protect populations during major crises such as natural disasters, industrial incidents, or public safety threats. FR-Alert, based on Cell Broadcast technology, enables rapid mass notifications to 4G and 5G mobile devices—even offline or in airplane mode—and geolocated SMS for 2G and 3G networks. Scheduled for full operation by February 2025, the system will complement traditional tools like sirens and media alerts, offering real-time updates and protective guidance tailored to affected areas. This initiative, led by the French State, marks a significant advancement in crisis management, enhancing public safety with modern, adaptable solutions for the unique risks in French Polynesia.
Read more here (TNTV, in French).
Florida launches an AI broadcast system
Florida’s Division of Emergency Management (FDEM) has launched BEACON, an AI-powered system developed with Futuri, the University of Florida, and FPREN. BEACON transforms emergency updates into real-time, multilingual audio broadcasts, ensuring consistent, reliable communication across multiple platforms. Tested during Hurricane Helene, BEACON combats misinformation and operates even during network failures, supported by resilient radio infrastructure and satellite connectivity. The system’s localised, inclusive alerts address gaps in traditional emergency communication, providing vital information to all residents.
Read more here (Government Technology).