EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about Moldova’s plans for Cell Broadcast implementation, New Zealand’s real-time mobile outage service, emergency alert testing in Germany and the UK, the Philippines launching a 911 emergency line, and much more!
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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.
Save the date: EENA Event: Future EU Legislation on Emergency Communications
Call for abstracts is open for the EENA 2026 Conference!
The EENA 2026 Conference & Exhibition will take place in Riga, Latvia, from 15–17 April 2026. We are inviting abstracts for presentations to help shape the programme.
This is your opportunity to contribute your expertise, showcase innovative projects, and be part of the global conversation on emergency response. To be considered as a speaker, you must submit an abstract of your proposed presentation. The deadline to propose your abstracts is Friday, 17 October 2025.
Learn more & submit your proposal here
Liana Mușat joins EENA’s team
We are delighted to welcome Liana Mușat as EENA’s new Knowledge Officer. Many of you will remember Liana as a regular attendee and speaker at the EENA Conference. With more than 15 years of experience at Romania’s 112 service, she brings extensive expertise in emergency communications — from call-taking to policy development. Liana will primarily contribute to EENA’s EU-funded projects and support the development of EENA’s conference programme.
Webinars
Emergency communications challenges and opportunities in the Digital Networks Act
25 September at 14:30 CEST
This webinar will present EENA’s latest insights on the future of emergency communications in Europe. We will explore unresolved issues with LTE and IMS and discuss how the EU’s Digital Networks Act can provide the framework to address these risks. The session will also present EENA’s full position on the DNA, highlighting key recommendations to ensure resilient, accessible, and future-proof emergency communications across the EU.
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.
Emergency communications around the world
Moldova to launch nationwide MD-ALERT by 2027
Moldova’s Ministry of Internal Affairs has confirmed that the new MD-ALERT Cell Broadcast system will be fully operational by late 2027. The system will deliver immediate alerts to citizens’ mobile phones in case of emergencies such as extreme weather, major accidents, or other risks. A feasibility study has been completed and implementation is moving into its second phase, with acquisitions and installations scheduled for 2026. The project is part of Moldova’s EU Accession Programme 2025–2029. In parallel, Moldova is strengthening cross-border cooperation with Romania to modernise its 112 emergency service, aiming to provide faster response times, improved coordination, and European-standard technologies and training.
New Zealand launches real-time mobile outage service for emergency planning
New Zealand has introduced a world-first service that displays mobile network outages nationwide in real time, along with planned outages up to two weeks ahead. Developed through the Hourua partnership between telecom operators Spark and One NZ, the tool combines data from both networks to give emergency services and planners unprecedented visibility into connectivity issues.
Police Minister Mark Mitchell said the system, trialled during Cyclone Tam, allowed Fire and Emergency New Zealand to quickly identify network impacts and adapt their communication with volunteers. He highlighted that the service will be a “game changer” for planning responses to extreme weather events and other emergencies. With emergency services increasingly dependent on mobile networks for communication and coordination, the tool is expected to significantly enhance operational resilience and ensure continuity of critical public safety communications.
Testing of public warning systems in the UK and Germany
Early September saw large-scale tests of national public warning systems in two European countries.
On 7 September, the UK conducted its second nationwide test of the Cell Broadcast–based emergency alert system. For about 10 seconds, mobile phones across the country vibrated and emitted a siren sound, accompanied by a test message. Reports confirmed alerts were received even underground, such as on the London Tube, though a small number of users experienced garbled text. Introduced in 2023, the UK system is designed for use during severe weather, flooding, unexploded ordnance, and other major emergencies. It can target alerts to specific geographic areas and has already been used during incidents such as Storm Eowyn.
In Berlin, Germany held its annual Nationwide Warning Day. More than 200 newly installed sirens were tested alongside radio, television, mobile apps, railway announcements, and Cell Broadcast messages. The number of sirens is expected to grow to 450 by the end of 2025, with solar panels and backup batteries ensuring continued function during power outages. The test served to verify technical reliability and raise public awareness of how alerts would be delivered in large-scale emergencies.
Read more here (The Berliner).
Philippines launches unified 911 emergency hotline
The Philippine government has officially launched a nationwide 911 emergency hotline, creating a single point of contact for police, fire, medical, and disaster response services. The new system replaces hundreds of local numbers, streamlining access to emergency support across the country.
The 911 hotline is toll-free for all landline and mobile users, ensuring accessibility in both urban and rural areas. In its initial phase, the service will employ around 240 operators within 120 days. Authorities have warned that prank or bogus callers will be blocked from the system. The platform introduces next-generation capabilities such as GPS-based caller location and IP-based voice, text, and video communications. Officials say the unified service will enhance coordination, eliminate confusion, and improve response times nationwide.
Read more here (Philippine News Agency).
ENISA’s report highlights telecom resilience and future challenges
The latest report from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) on NIS2 sectors confirms what many in public safety have long recognised: telecoms and digital infrastructure are among the most critical foundations of modern society. According to the findings, telecoms stand out as one of the most mature sectors in terms of cybersecurity. With strong regulatory oversight and robust operational preparedness, the sector provides reassurance for emergency professionals who rely on resilient networks to ensure citizens can always reach 112. However, ENISA also points to a growing challenge. As emergency communications increasingly depend on digital infrastructure and space-based systems, these newer domains must achieve the same level of cybersecurity maturity. Without this, the reliability of 112 and other critical services could be at risk in the future.
Australia’s emergency communications: current challenges and future directions
A new white paper from the National Emergency Communications Working Group – Australia/New Zealand (NECWG) offers an in-depth look at the current state and future of emergency communications in Australia. The report reviews how emergency call services are delivered today, highlights challenges faced by public safety agencies, and sets out priorities for strengthening resilience, accessibility, and innovation in the years ahead. The white paper examines topics such as technology migration, caller location, accessibility for people with disabilities, and the role of data and analytics in improving response. It also outlines strategic recommendations to ensure emergency communication systems remain robust, reliable, and able to meet rising public expectations.
Google may be developing a live video emergency feature for Android
Google appears to be exploring a new live video emergency function that could allow Android users to stream directly to emergency dispatchers. Code spotted in Google Play Services hints at the possibility of enabling callers to share real-time video during crises, providing responders with clearer situational awareness. If introduced, the feature would differ from the current Pixel emergency recording tool, which stores footage but does not transmit it to authorities. Because it is linked to Play Services rather than Pixel-only software, the capability could potentially roll out across a wider range of Android devices. While not yet confirmed, such a development would represent a significant advance in public safety communications.
New framework in Latvia to involve citizens in civil protection
The Latvian Ministry of the Interior has issued new guidelines to strengthen public participation in the civil protection system. The document encourages municipalities to work more closely with citizens, NGOs, and businesses to improve preparedness and resilience in crises. Key recommendations include appointing Volunteer Resource Coordinators, maintaining resource catalogues, organising regular training, and enhancing public communication on civil protection. Inspired by lessons from Ukraine and modern crises, the guidelines aim to foster inclusive governance and faster responses. They will be tested later this year during the national defence exercise “Namejs 2025.”
Read more here (Government of Latvia).
Upcoming in our network
Register to join the first live demonstration of the AWARE project
On 23 October 2025, the AWARE project will hold its first live demonstration in Logarska Dolina, Slovenia. AWARE is an EU-funded initiative developing receivers that process Galileo Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS) alerts and integrate them into fixed public warning systems.
The event will present the AWARE module connected to a long-range acoustic device (LRAD), showing how genuine Galileo EWSS messages can be transmitted directly to affected communities. Inspired by Slovenia’s devastating 2023 flood, the demonstration will simulate a natural hazard and test how the system performs when traditional communication networks are unavailable.
Registration is open until 30 September 2025.