EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about 112 implementation in India, problems with Ireland’s 999 system, plans to phase out FEMA in the US, a report on gaps in the EECC regarding accessibility, and much more!
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EENA News
Save the date: EENA Event
Future EU Legislation on Emergency Communications
Save the date for our upcoming event on EU legislation on emergency communications! The event will be held on 3-4 December in Brussels at the Microsoft Executive Briefing Centre.
The event is limited to 120 participants. Stay tuned, as the registration for the event will open in the second semester of 2025!
Call for ideas for the EENA 2026 programme
The EENA Conference 2025 took place close to two months ago, but we are already starting to prepare the programme for the next EENA Conference (15-17 April 2026, Riga). Before a more formal call for abstracts, which will come in the late summer/early autumn, we would like to ask for your ideas. Specifically:
- Is there any topic that you would like to hear about in particular?
- Is there something you or your organisation would like to present and think would have an added value for the audience?
- Is there someone you can recommend for a presentation on a specific topic?
Please let us know your ideas by 26 June EOB so that we can take them into account when we start to work more deeply on the programme. You can contact Benoît Vivier at [email protected] with your ideas.
Webinars
Open discussion on the Digital Networks Act
30 June 2025 at 14:30 CEST
EENA invites its members to a dedicated web meeting to explore and discuss the implications of the Digital Networks Act. This session is an opportunity for members to share their views, raise concerns, and contribute ideas that can help shape EENA’s approach and position on the legislation. We are keen to hear your perspectives on how the Act might affect emergency services, communication networks, and public safety operations. Whether you have specific feedback, questions, or simply want to better understand the potential impact, your input is invaluable. The web meeting will consist of an open discussion between participants, rather than a top-down presentation and is only open for EENA members.
Integrating emergency communications into critical infrastructure frameworks
2 July 2025 at 14:30 CEST
Emergency communication systems, such as 112, 911, 000, and 999, play an essential role in ensuring access to public safety services. This webinar will explore how these systems are treated within national Critical Infrastructure frameworks across different countries. By sharing international approaches and practices, the session aims to support public safety professionals in understanding how emergency communications are positioned within broader infrastructure strategies, and how this can serve as a reference for national planning and benchmarking.
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
Telangana, India launches unified emergency helpline 112
Telangana has rolled out 112 as its single emergency helpline number, replacing older numbers like 100 (police), 101 (fire), and 108 (ambulance). The unified service aims to simplify access to emergency support and speed up coordination among departments. The 112 Emergency Response Centre, run by Telangana Police from the Integrated Command and Control Centre in Hyderabad, links services like fire, medical aid, SHE Teams, and disaster response. Citizens can contact 112 via call, SMS, email, or the ‘112 India’ app, including silent alerts for people in danger. With real-time geo-mapping and surveillance integration, the system promises faster responses. It also prioritises vulnerable groups, including women, children, and persons with disabilities. Public awareness campaigns will soon launch to boost usage. Telangana joins other Indian states in adopting this model.
Luxembourg’s CGDIS responds to record emergency calls in 2024
Luxembourg’s Grand Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS) handled 244,341 emergency calls in 2024, resulting in 71,965 interventions, a steady increase following 2023’s brief stabilisation. Medical emergencies dominated the caseload, accounting for 89% of responses, with most requiring ambulance dispatch. The service also tackled 2,700 fires during the year. While the 15-minute response target remains unmet, officials report near-compliance. Public engagement grew as well, with over 8,200 people attending first aid and prevention courses. Training remained central: the National Institute for Emergency Services (INFS) delivered 1,234 internal sessions, supporting 14,534 firefighters. Two new intakes of trainee firefighters and officer cadets also began training. CGDIS now includes 7,626 members, among them 1,007 professionals, as recruitment continues under the National Emergency Services Organisation Plan (PNOS), adding 50 new professional firefighters annually.
Trump announces plan to phase out FEMA after hurricane season
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to phase out the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the current hurricane season. Disaster relief funding would instead be handled directly by the president’s office, possibly through the Department of Homeland Security. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said FEMA should be replaced, and states are being encouraged to strengthen regional cooperation and rely less on federal aid. The proposal marks a major shift in U.S. emergency management policy. With an active hurricane season underway, the changes could have far-reaching implications for how states prepare for and respond to natural disasters.
EUD report highlights gaps in EECC for deaf accessibility
On 6 June 2025, the European Union of the Deaf published its report assessing the impact of the European Electronic Communications Code (EECC) on deaf people across the European Union and the European Economic Area. The report found that the EECC lacks specific provisions that address the unique communication needs of deaf people, especially regarding access to voice communications and services in national sign languages. It also makes recommendations to guarantee deaf people’s equal access to telecommunications and internet-based services, including essential video relay services and emergency communications in national sign languages. In particular, it notes that deaf people, who communicate through sign language, may struggle to use real-time text, despite this being indicated as equivalent for people with disabilities by the EECC and EAA.
Read more here (European Union of the Deaf).
Ireland’s Gardaí launch review of troubled 999 call system
Ireland’s national police force, An Garda Síochána, has initiated a formal review of the new GardaSAFE 999 call-taking system, following widespread reports of unanswered emergency calls. Deputy Commissioner Shauna Coxon confirmed the review to the Dáil Justice Committee, citing concerns raised by the public and officials. The system, part of a centralised emergency response overhaul, was introduced after a scandal involving cancelled 999 calls, particularly those related to domestic violence. However, the absence of call triaging has led to a backlog of emergency calls, with minor and critical incidents funneled into the same queue. TD Tom Brabazon described multiple cases where no Garda response was dispatched, including incidents involving a missing child and a knife threat. Commissioner Drew Harris acknowledged the feedback and said the review aims to restore community trust and ensure the system meets public safety needs.
Saskatoon, Canada, upgrades to Next Generation 911
The Saskatoon Fire Department in Saskatchewan, Canada, has launched the Next Generation 911 (NG911) system, modernising emergency communications with faster call routing, improved location accuracy, and greater system resilience. As part of a nationwide mandate, NG911 will eventually allow texts, photos, and videos to be sent to 911. Saskatoon is now the 20th site in Canada to complete the upgrade, ahead of the 2027 federal deadline.
Upcoming in our network
Webinar: PSAP Upgrade Support for NG eCall
8 July at 11:00 CEST
Join the first webinar organised by the X_HeERO project to learn more about the PSAP upgrade for Next Generation eCall (NG eCall), in preparation for the 1 January 2026 deadline. The webinar will cover the ongoing activities of the X_HeERO project for providing guidance and support to help PSAPs prepare the necessary upgrade.
EENA was here
Critical Communications World
17-19 June 2024, Brussels, Belgium EENA took part in Critical Communications World 2025, organised by TCCA. The event brought together professionals from around the world to discuss the future of emergency communications. Representing EENA, the team engaged with participants from diverse backgrounds, sharing insights on EENA’s ongoing work and learning from others in the sector. EENA was also featured in the conference programme. Cristina Lumbreras participated in a panel discussion on the evolving environment of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in today’s digital society, while Benoit Vivier moderated a session on the importance and development of public warning systems.