EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about Australia passing a new law on emergency call oversight, Luxembourg phasing out 2/3G networks, studies on emergency alerts, and much more!
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
EENA News
Registration now open: Future EU Legislation on Emergency Communications
Join us in Brussels on 3–4 December 2025 for our seminar on Future EU Legislation on Emergency Communications.
With the Digital Networks Act (DNA) on the horizon, this two-day event will explore what the new legislation means for emergency communications in Europe. We will review the current European Electronic Communications Code (EECC), debate the main issues that will shape DNA negotiations, and look at the future of caller location, access to 112, and the transition to NG112.
This is a unique opportunity to hear directly from decision-makers and experts, while connecting with colleagues across Europe who share the same mission: ensuring reliable and equal access to emergency communications for all citizens.
New HARMONY and ARTEMis projects launched to advance crisis response interoperability
We’re proud to join HARMONY and ARTEMis, two Horizon Europe projects paving the way for better interoperability in crisis response across Europe.
Together, they aim to develop harmonised protocols, shared data platforms, and innovative tools for better disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Over the next three years, partners from across Europe will collaborate to make emergency management more efficient, connected, and resilient. EENA will lead key activities on stakeholder engagement, knowledge transfer, and capacity building, ensuring that project results are aligned with real-world needs.
Webinars
Handling emergency communications in other languages: advantages and challenges in using a third-party service provider
25 November at 14:30 CET
In this webinar, the 112 Response Center of the Autonomous Province of Trento (Italy) will share its experience in managing multilingual emergency calls through the use of a third-party translation service. The presentation will explore the benefits of this approach—such as improved communication with foreign callers and increased inclusivity—as well as the operational and technical challenges encountered, including issues related to reliability, confidentiality, and quality monitoring.
Add the webinar to your calendar.
Are you interested in sharing your expertise in an EENA webinar? You can contact Sanna Antila at [email protected] to suggest topics you’d like to speak on in our upcoming webinars.
Standardisation & regulation
SMS-to-112 for roaming users: new CEPT report explores challenges and solutions
A new CEPT report, “SMS to 112 and other national emergency numbers for roaming end-users” analyses how text messages can be used to contact emergency services across Europe — especially when users are roaming. While many EU and EEA countries now allow citizens to reach 112 or national emergency numbers via SMS, the system remains non-harmonised both legally and technically. This means availability, procedures, and capabilities vary widely between countries. The report highlights that SMS-to-PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point) is valuable for users who cannot make voice calls and can also transmit location data, but presents major challenges when used abroad. The study reviews current practices, legislation (including the EECC and EAA), technical limitations, and potential solutions, noting that SMS still lacks the dedicated emergency handling and reliability of voice services — especially in Limited Service State or roaming situations.
Emergency communications around the world
Luxembourg prepares to phase out 2G and 3G networks
Luxembourg is set to phase out its 2G and 3G mobile networks over the next five years, with Orange Luxembourg planning to shut down 3G by the end of 2025 and 2G by 2030. The move aims to free up spectrum for faster and more secure 4G and 5G services, while reducing maintenance costs.
Minister for Media and Connectivity Elisabeth Margue noted that the transition will require careful coordination, as some critical systems—such as eCall, lift phones, and backup emergency calls—still rely on older networks. A new NG eCall system based on 4G/5G will replace current technologies from 2026. Testing with emergency services has already begun to ensure continuity, and Orange Luxembourg will inform affected customers in advance to prevent disruptions. Operators are also taking steps to ensure roaming users and essential services remain connected during the transition.
Read more here (Luxembourg Times).
New law strengthens Australia’s emergency call system oversight
Australia has passed new legislation giving the government stronger powers to oversee and intervene in the operation of the national emergency call system. Approved by parliament on 28 October, the law allows direct action to ensure telecom operators quickly resolve issues affecting access to the emergency number. The reform establishes an Emergency Call Custodian within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Communications, working alongside the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to monitor performance, identify risks, and demand information from operators. Communications Minister Anika Wells said the new law will ensure “more active and effective monitoring” to meet user needs. The legislation follows the September Optus outage that disrupted emergency calls nationwide.
Read more here (Mobile World Live).
Optus CEO apologises over emergency line failure
The CEO of Optus, Stephen Rue, has formally apologised to Australia’s Parliament for a major failure of the emergency “000” line linked to four deaths, yet he will remain in his role to ensure continuity during the company’s recovery. The disruption on 18 September stemmed from a human error during a firewall upgrade that prevented emergency calls from reaching services. Under intense scrutiny following past outages and cybersecurity breaches, Optus also announced that its CFO and CIO will step down in early 2026.
Norway to build next-generation national emergency network
Norway is advancing its emergency communications capabilities with plans for a new national emergency network, Nytt Nødnett, built on 3GPP MCX broadband technology. The system will operate across Telenor, Telia, and ice Norge, combining all three providers’ infrastructures to maximise resilience and ensure nationwide coverage. Developed jointly by the Directorate for Civil Protection (DSB), the Norwegian Communications Authority, and emergency services users, Nytt Nødnett will expand beyond voice to include data services, sensors, and AI-based tools, enhancing situational awareness for first responders. The project also explores WLAN and satellite (NTN/direct-to-device) connectivity to guarantee service even in remote areas. Extensive testing and piloting are planned to ensure reliability. According to project representatives, the new network will be “at least as reliable as today’s system” while introducing major technological advancements to strengthen Norway’s emergency preparedness.
Read more here (Critical Communications Review).
Hong Kong’s emergency app to expand safety features
Hong Kong Police will introduce a major upgrade to the “HKSOS” emergency app in December, adding live group location sharing and expanding the number of emergency contacts users can register. The app, launched in January 2024 and downloaded 150,000 times, has already assisted in the rescue of 272 people. The new features will allow groups of up to nine to track each other’s positions in real time, supporting activities such as school trips and hiking. Users will also be able to add up to five emergency contacts who can monitor their location and alert authorities if needed. The system uses patented “Signal Radar” technology to locate users even without a mobile signal and integrates an AI tool, “RescueAI,” to flag potential distress cases. Future updates aim to include satellite messaging for connectivity in remote areas.
A new study examines late flood alert in Valencia
A new study analyses the delayed activation of Spain’s ES-Alert system during the devastating floods that struck southern Valencia on 29 October 2024. The paper reconstructs the event timeline to understand why the first mobile alert was issued only at 20:11 — several hours after flooding had already begun. Drawing on meteorological data, river flow records, and emergency call logs, the authors conclude that the alert should have been triggered earlier to reduce casualties. The floods claimed 229 lives and caused €22 billion in damage. The study highlights operational and scientific lessons for improving the timing and spatial adaptation of future flood alerts.
Read more here (Open Edition Journals).
FR-Alert study analyses public perceptions during major floods
A new study explores how residents in northern France experienced FR-Alert during the 2023–2024 floods in the Aa river basin (Pas-de-Calais). The research analyses survey responses from nearly 300 residents to assess how people understood and reacted to the alerts. The findings highlight that factors such as location and flood exposure strongly shaped perceptions of the alert system. Those already affected by flooding at the time of the first alert viewed the system less positively, while clear message wording improved comprehension and trust. The authors underline the importance of tailoring alerts to spatial and temporal contexts and call for more post-event evaluations to enhance future crisis communication strategies.
Read more here (Open Edition Journals).
EENA was here
AWARE Demonstration
4-5 November 2025 in Plaisir, France
The AWARE project’s second demonstration was held in Plaisir, France, hosted by JCDecaux. The event showcased how AWARE’s innovative module, integrated into digital urban furniture, can receive alerts from Galileo’s Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) and instantly broadcast warnings to citizens in real time. During the demonstration, a simulated thunderstorm and hazardous materials incident triggered EWSS alerts transmitted by satellite, activating nearby digital panels equipped with the AWARE module. The system displayed immediate, location-based messages warning the public of danger.
AWARE is the first project to integrate Galileo EWSS to fixed devices, facilitating a multi-channel approach to public warning systems that can reach citizens when every second counts.
Beer & Politics
4 November 2025 in Brussels, Belgium
EENA joined the latest Beer & Politics session, titled “The EU Fight Club: Can Europe keep itself SAFE in the age of crises?”, to discuss Europe’s evolving approach to defence, security, and resilience. Speakers and participants examined what preparedness means in today’s context, how governments can better plan for crises, and what challenges stand in the way of Europe’s security ambitions. The discussion highlighted the importance of a whole-of-society approach in ensuring Europe remains ready for future crises.