EENA Update 01/04/2026
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about public warning testing in Australia and Estonia, Kuwait implementing a cell broadcast system, problems with false eCalls in Finland and the Netherlands, and much more!
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This newsletter is sponsored by
***A sponsored message by NG-SOS: NG-SOS, a leading European platform for extended emergency communications including RTT, video, and AI-assisted tools, has become the first EU-registered integrator of Apple Enhanced Emergency Data (EED) built directly into iPhone and Apple Watch. This milestone brings richer, real-time emergency data directly to PSAPs, improving situational awareness and response. Thanks to NG-SOS’s significant footprint, the EED capability is now being progressively rolled out to customers across Europe.
Discover more on our website. ***
EENA News
Two weeks until the EENA Conference & Exhibition 2026: Register now to secure your place!
Join us in Riga, Latvia, on 15-17 April 2026 for the EENA 2026 Conference & Exhibition! Get your ticket now to join us for three days of discussions, practical insights, and opportunities to connect with over 700 public safety professionals from more than 50 countries!
This year’s conference will focus on strengthening preparedness and resilience in emergency communications, addressing challenges such as geopolitical uncertainty, natural disasters, and the phase-out of 2G and 3G networks. Sessions will cover key topics including public warning systems, NG112, AI in PSAPs, data integration, and upcoming EU legislation. A dedicated focus will also be placed on supporting PSAP operations and call-takers, with practical insights on wellbeing, operational data, and handling complex emergency situations.
Registration for the pre-conference workshop is open! Organised by Verisure, this exclusive session for public authority representatives will offer a strategic forum for PSAPs and third-party services to explore how cooperation models are evolving in today’s emergency response landscape. The workshop is free of charge, and you must be registered for the 2026 conference to attend.
Don’t forget to join the new Members’ Area!
The new EENA Members’ Area provides a single access point for member resources such as the PSAP report and other documents, with additional features coming later this year.
Already a member? Please register to activate your access and stay up to date with member communications and benefits. To remain an active EENA member, you need to activate your account.
Corporate members: Your organisation’s account should be set up by the main contact, who will then be able to add colleagues from the same organisation.
2G/3G Shutdown
3G shutdown may affect access to 112 for some users in Iceland
Iceland is beginning the shutdown of its 3G networks, starting in the capital region on 8 April, with rural areas to follow in May. Authorities warn that devices relying on 3G may lose connectivity and could be unable to make calls, including to 112. The Electronic Communications Office of Iceland, together with emergency services and telecom operators, is urging users to check their devices and upgrade if needed to ensure continued access to emergency services.
Read more here (Iceland Review)
Learn more about the issues with 2G/3G shutdown (EENA).
Webinars
SUNSHINE Project: Leveraging EU Space data and services for disaster resilience
2 April 2026 at 14:30
Join this SUNSHINE webinar to discover how the EU-funded project, coordinated by the European Commission’s DG DEFIS, strengthens disaster resilience across Europe by promoting the use of EU Space Programme services (including Copernicus EMS, Galileo EWSS, SSA and GOVSATCOM) within civil protection frameworks. The session will introduce the SUNSHINE project scope, present the objectives and format of the Training Seminars, and provide an overview of upcoming training opportunities.
Add the webinar to your calendar.
Did you miss our previous webinars?
View our latest webinar “Innovating for preparedness: Turning EU investment into real-world impact” on our Members’ Area!
Projects
X_HeERO Project Webinar: Upcoming Events: ETSI Plugtest and EENA Conference
According to an Amendment to Delegated Act No. 305/2013 existing eCall infrastructure must be enabled for Next Generation eCall (NG eCall) by 1 January 2026. While PSAPs are on their way of upgrading, questions on test and evaluation raised. This webinar will inform on the programme and objectives of the ETSI plug test event end of May and early June 2026. Additionally, it will inform on the upcoming EENA Conference, providing insights in European 112 issues. The webinar is intended for all responsible parties for PSAP upgrade in European Member States, OEMs and suppliers of eCall equipment and services, interested organisations, Mobile Network Operators, and providers for technical support.
Register here for the webinar.
Emergency communications around the world
Estonia tests its public warning system through sirens and location-based SMS
Estonia tested its national warning system to assess whether city sirens can be clearly heard in Tallinn. Experts measured sound levels across multiple locations to determine if additional sirens are needed. The exercise also aimed to raise public awareness of how to respond in an emergency. If a siren sounds, people are advised to go indoors immediately, stay low, and keep away from windows. Alerts were also sent to mobile phones and broadcast on television, reaching over a million people. The government will continue testing and improving the system to ensure faster and more reliable warnings in future crises. Estonia also plans to introduce cell broadcast technology by 2027.
Kuwait implements cell broadcast as its new public warning system
Kuwait’s Ministry of Interior, with CITRA, has launched a pilot emergency alert system using cell broadcast technology, in order to quickly send warnings to mobile phones during crises. The system has four levels: loud national alerts, emergency text alerts, silent general alerts, and informational messages. It strengthens early warning and ensures reliable communication with the public in emergencies.
Read more here (The Kuwait Times)
Cayman Islands’ public warning system shows its limits during a tsunami exercise
The Caribe Wave 2026 tsunami exercise highlighted the challenge of warning populations quickly after nearby earthquakes. In the scenario, waves reached the Cayman Islands in just 15 minutes, leaving very limited time to alert residents. Despite using apps, text messages and media channels, some people did not receive warnings. Authorities are now exploring additional solutions, including cell broadcast, to improve reach. The exercise underlined that both speed and coverage are critical in emergency communications, while also emphasising the importance of public awareness, as people may need to act immediately without waiting for official alerts.
Read more here (Cayman Compass)
Australia to test its new cell broadcast national emergency alert system
On 27 July, Australia’s emergency alert system AusAlert will send a loud siren to all mobile phones via cell broadcast. A smaller test will happen earlier in selected areas. AusAlert aims to replace state systems with faster, targeted warnings for disasters. It works without SIM cards and overrides “do not disturb”. From an emergency communications’ perspective, this improves speed, reach, and coordination nationwide, following lessons from the 2020 Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements.
Moldova launched its 112 application
Moldova has launched the 112MD app, a free emergency services application for iOS and Android developed with support from the Czech Republic and UNDP. With a single button, users can send their location and medical profile directly to emergency operators. The app also enables communication when voice calls are not possible, using pre-defined icons and AI-supported translation, and allows operators to request photos or video from the scene. Designed to support users with visual or hearing impairments, the app connects to the pan-European NG-SOS emergency network, marking a step forward in accessible and digital emergency communications.
High number of non-urgent 112 calls raises concerns in the Netherlands
In the Netherlands, more than 1 million 112 calls in the past year were deemed non-urgent, placing pressure on emergency services. Many were accidental “pocket calls”, misuse by frequent callers, or requests that should have been directed to non-emergency numbers. A growing challenge is also the eCall system in vehicles, which automatically contacts 112 after a serious crash. Of the 37,500 eCalls recorded, most were false alarms, often triggered unintentionally. Experts warn that this trend strains emergency resources and highlight the need for greater public awareness on the proper use of both 112 and eCall systems.
A study highlights eCall benefits and high rate of false alerts in Finland
A study commissioned by the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom shows that the eCall system is becoming more widespread, now installed in around one in eight vehicles in Finland. The study estimates that eCall has already helped prevent one road fatality between 2019 and 2023, with greater impact expected as adoption increases. However, the findings also highlight a key challenge for emergency response centres: around 80% of eCalls are false alerts, rising to 94% for manually triggered calls. Authorities warn that these unnecessary activations place pressure on the 112 system and stress that eCall should only be used in genuine emergencies.
Indian city to centralise its ambulance system under the single emergency number 112
The government plans to introduce a centralised ambulance system under 112 in Bengaluru within the next three months, aiming to improve response times and streamline emergency healthcare services. The system will manage all state ambulances through a single platform. Authorities stated that additional staff will be recruited and confirmed that current ambulance capacity meets national standards. The state currently operates 1,715 ambulances, with plans to add 262 more to further strengthen emergency response.
Read more here (The Hans India)
The European Commission has launched a new plan to deal with growing wildfire risks across Europe
The European Commission has introduced a new plan to address the increasing risk of wildfires across Europe, as recent fires spread beyond southern regions to much of the continent. The strategy focuses on prevention, preparedness, response and recovery, with wildfires already costing an estimated €2.5 billion annually. Key measures include improved land management, increased research, public awareness, and stronger cross-border cooperation. The EU will also establish a firefighting hub in Cyprus and expand its shared fleet of planes and helicopters from 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s readiness and better protect lives and the environment without adding new costs.
Read more here (Wildfire Today)
Study shows AI can improve wildfire risk prediction and response
A new study led by the University of Canterbury finds that AI-based forecasting systems can predict wildfire risk more accurately and more frequently than current methods. By analysing weather data, the system updates every 30 minutes, offering near real-time insights compared to traditional daily forecasts. Tested across multiple regions, the model improved prediction accuracy by 10–30% and could significantly reduce costs by lowering false alarms and missed fires. Researchers highlight that the system could be widely deployed using existing weather infrastructure, helping fire agencies respond earlier and more effectively as wildfire risks continue to rise.
Read more here (Prevention Web).
EENA was here
EENA discusses future of 112 at BAPCO 2026
EENA attended BAPCO 2026 at Coventry from March 25-26. During this event, EENA’s Senior Policy Officer, Peter Lonergan, participated in a panel on the future of 999, 112 and 911, while also meeting with representatives from emergency services from across the UK. One of the key topics for this conference was the emergency services network, a next-generation system for critical communications that will be rolled out across the UK in the next few years. This system will also result in improved network coverage in remote areas of the UK, closing some of the last gaps in access to 999 in previously unconnected areas.