EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about EENA’s new PSAP report, actions on 112 Day, Cyprus’ transition to NG112, FCC’s proposed silent emergency alerts, anonymous emergency calls in India, our upcoming events, and much more.
You may have noticed we skipped last week’s newsletter—our team was busy with a strategic meeting, shaping the future of EENA. We’re back with updates and insights for you!
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
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!
Register now to our pre-conference workshops!
This year, we’re excited to offer you a unique opportunity to take part in one of two exclusive workshops taking place the day before the event. Participation in these workshops is completely free of charge, but you must be registered for the conference to attend. Both events are open to public safety professionals and public authorities only, private companies are not eligible. Due to security and capacity limitations, attendance requests will be reviewed individually.
Workshop 1: Cutting-Edge Emergency Response Technology with Google
8 April 2025 at 14:00 – 17:00 in Messukeskus Expo Centre, Helsinki, Finland
Join Google’s expert team for an interactive workshop exploring the latest advancements in emergency response technology. The workshop is open for one participant per organisation, with a maximum of 30 participants.
Workshop 2: Study Trip to Kerava’s 112 Emergency Response Centre
8 April 2025 at 08:00 (Return in time for dinner) in 112 Centre, Kerava, Finland
Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Finland’s 112 Emergency Response Centre. This full-day visit includes guided tours, expert presentations on Finland’s emergency systems, and insights from CINIA on public safety innovations. The workshop is open for one participant per organisation, with a maximum of 25 participants. Registrations are open until 18 March.
New PSAP Global Edition 2024: Insights into emergency response systems worldwide
EENA’s latest PSAP Global Edition is now available, offering insights into the evolution of Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) in 64 countries. The report covers key developments like Next Generation 112, public warning systems, accessibility, cybersecurity, and the use of new technologies such as social media and citizen responder programmes. With annual updates and new areas of analysis, it provides a detailed snapshot of global emergency communications trends.
We would like to thank Intrado for sponsoring this year’s publication.
This document is only available for EENA members. If you are a member and would like to access the document, please contact [email protected]
112 Day: Recognising Progress and Future Challenges in Emergency Communications
EENA’s 112 Day Recommendations report highlights key developments and ongoing challenges in Europe’s emergency communications. While progress has been made in areas such as Advanced Mobile Location (AML) for better caller location accuracy and Real-Time Text (RTT) to improve accessibility, disparities remain in implementation across Member States. The report also stresses the need for improvements in public warning systems, the risks posed by the 2G/3G network shutdown, and the potential role of satellite communications in emergency response.
To ensure reliable and equal access to emergency services, EENA calls for stronger EU-wide coordination among Member States, public authorities, and mobile operators. A unified approach is essential to keep pace with technological advancements and evolving EU regulations, ultimately strengthening public safety across Europe.
For 112 Day, countries across Europe participated with open-door activities, award ceremonies and awareness campaigns: find out what your country did here.
EENA Co-Organised a European Parliament event with MEPs
For 112 Day, MEP Grégory Allione and EENA hosted a debate at the European Parliament on improving emergency communications and crisis resilience. The event preceded the first meeting of the new European Parliament Intergroup on Resilience, Disaster Management, and Civil Protection.
EENA presented the 112 Day Recommendations Report, highlighting gaps in EU law implementation, the impact of the 2G/3G shutdown on 112, and the role of AI and satellite communications. Discussions focused on improving crisis preparedness, interoperability between emergency services, and support for civil protection volunteers.
MEPs and emergency service representatives also addressed the lack of mobile public warning systems in some EU countries and the impact of Storm Éowyn, which left many Irish communities without access to 112. EENA stressed the need for stronger EU coordination, resilient mobile networks, and better enforcement of emergency communication laws.
EENA Encourages Commissioner Lahbib to Integrate European Public Warning Lessons into EU Preparedness Strategy
During the 112 Day action at the European Parliament, EENA called for public warning lessons to be included in the upcoming Union Preparedness Strategy. We raised concerns with Commissioner Hadja Lahbib and MEPs that the strategy might overlook key insights from mobile public warning systems in 20 EU countries.
EENA highlighted the importance of public warning for EU resilience amid growing crises and proposed sharing insights to strengthen emergency alert systems across Europe.
Webinars
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
Pilot of domestic abuse experts helping in 999 call rooms begins in England
A new initiative is being piloted in five UK police forces, embedding domestic abuse specialists in 999 control rooms to improve emergency responses. The specialists will provide real-time feedback, training for call handlers, and tailored support for victims.
This initiative follows concerns over police handling of domestic abuse cases and aims to create a cultural shift in how such incidents are managed. If successful, it could be rolled out across England and Wales by the end of the year, ensuring a more informed and victim-centred approach to emergency policing.
Read more here (The Guardian).
Civil Defence prepares to take over emergency calls in Cyprus
Emergency calls to 112 in Cyprus will soon be handled by Civil Defence as part of a transition to a Next Generation 112 system, in line with EU regulations. The upgrade will introduce advanced features such as geolocation, video calling, text messaging, and improved accessibility for disabled individuals. The transition involves developing new software, installing modern equipment, and establishing a unified crisis management centre. Civil Defence is receiving support from Greece, with joint training and exercises planned under a cooperation agreement. Multiple agencies, including the police, fire department, ambulance service, and digital policy ministry, are working together to ensure a smooth handover. The public will be informed once the new system is fully operational.
FCC to consider “silent” wireless emergency alerts
On 6 February 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced plans to review updates to Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs) at its February Open Meeting. The proposed changes include allowing “silent alerts” without audio or vibration signals, providing more flexibility for situations like active shooter incidents or nighttime AMBER Alerts. Users, including those with disabilities, would have the option to override silent alerts and activate vibration notifications. The FCC will also seek input on whether users should have more control over alert settings and explore ways to reduce opt-outs from WEA messages. If adopted, all WEA-capable devices would be required to support these new features.
Anonymous emergency reporting now available in Karnataka, India
Residents in Karnataka, India, can now report emergencies to the 112 emergency number anonymously, according to Bengaluru city police. Callers who wish to keep their identity private must clearly request anonymity during the call, and operators are required to protect their details. If anonymity is not maintained, callers can report the issue during a feedback call, with complaints reviewed by the Deputy Commissioner of Police. This move aims to encourage more people to report emergencies without fear, enhancing public safety and security.
Read more here (The New Indian Express).
EENA was here
A glimpse of the recent events EENA has taken part in.
Know EMS webinar on artificial intelligence
20 February 2025
Online
EENA presented its AI special project at a webinar organised by the Know EMS project, which aims to foster a community of practitioners for standardisation in emergency services. The webinar concluded that AI is increasingly used to optimise emergency response times and support healthcare applications, but its integration into emergency communications remains complex due to unpredictable real-time data and variations in the assessment of medical conditions. Speakers highlighted key challenges in applying AI to emergency communications, including subjective and incomplete data, regulatory hurdles, and the need for extensive training datasets.
18-19 February 2025
Copenhagen, Denmark and online
In the meeting, EENA highlighted its key focus areas, including the implementation of EU legislation (such as the European Accessibility Act and the European Electronic Communications Code) in Member States. It also addressed the impact of the 2G/3G network shutdown on eCall in vehicles produced after 2017, the role of satellite communications as a backup in remote areas, and advancements in Next Generation eCall and callback capabilities using global numbers (+882/+883). Additionally, EENA discussed the next steps for improving handset-derived caller location information for emergency communications and the growing importance of number-independent services for accessing 112.
Strengthening Resilience and Crisis Management: How to Promote EU Coordination and Better Define the Role of 112?
11 February 2025
Strasbourg, France
On European 112 Day, EENA co-organised a high-level event at the European Parliament in Strasbourg alongside MEP Grégory Allione (Renew Europe) to discuss strengthening resilience and crisis management. The debate, held ahead of the first meeting of the new European Parliament Intergroup on Resilience, Disaster Management, and Civil Protection, focused on enhancing EU coordination and defining the role of 112 in crisis response.