EENA Update 03/06/2026
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about advancements with public warning systems in Finland, Sweden, Latvia and Cyprus, problems with emergency calls in Spain and Portugal, and much more!
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EENA News
New EENA document: 112 Indoors: Improving Emergency Response with Indoor Location and Indoor Maps
The increasing use of mobile phones for emergency calls has made indoor caller location one of the key challenges in emergency response. While technologies such as Advanced Mobile Location (AML) have significantly improved location accuracy, finding someone inside a large or complex building can still be difficult. EENA’s new document explores how combining indoor location data with indoor maps can provide emergency services with crucial context, such as floor levels, room locations and access routes, helping responders reach people faster and more effectively. The document also examines the technical, operational and governance considerations for implementing these capabilities.
New EENA blog post: Aware, not yet prepared: Insights from a survey on societal disaster preparedness
A new EENA blog post, based on findings from the ARTEMis project survey, explores public perceptions of disaster preparedness across Europe and beyond. The results reveal an important gap: while many respondents have experienced hazards such as floods, earthquakes or wildfires, far fewer know local emergency plans, evacuation routes, or how to access assistance during a crisis. At the same time, the survey highlights a strong willingness to engage in preparedness activities, trainings and awareness campaigns. The findings underline the importance of clear communication, trusted public warning systems, and stronger local engagement to build resilience before disasters happen.
The project’s achievements were also recently highlighted by the European Commission, which showcased AWARE as an example of how a multi-channel approach to public warning can help ensure emergency alerts reach people through a wide range of devices and communication channels, even when traditional networks are unavailable.
Projects
The AWARE project publishes final project brief showcasing key achievements
The AWARE project has published its final project brief, providing an overview of its activities, results and impact on the future of public warning in Europe. From acoustic warning devices in Slovenia to digital urban panels in France and indoor warning systems in Latvia, AWARE demonstrated how Galileo EWSS alerts can be delivered through fixed devices, providing fast and clear warnings during emergencies. The project validated the effectiveness of the AWARE module and highlighted the value of a multi-channel approach to public warning. By extending alerting beyond smartphones, AWARE supports the integration of Galileo EWSS into national public warning systems and is now advancing the real-world deployment of its technology to strengthen public warning resilience across Europe.
Webinar: X_HeERO eCall Next Generation
According to an Amendment to Delegated Act No. 305/2013 existing eCall infrastructure must have been enabled for Next Generation eCall (NG eCall) since 1 January 2026. Third-party Services and testing options shall be integrated into the emergency call processes. The webinar will inform and discuss what data/further information should be sent from TPSP to PSAP beyond standards, and how the data can be sent. The webinar is intended for all responsible parties for PSAP upgrade in European Member States, OEMs and suppliers of eCall equipment/services and TPS providers, interested organisations, Mobile Network Operators, and providers for technical support.
Register here for the webinar.
Webinars
SUNSHINE Training Webinar: Using EU Space Services to Tackle Wildfires and Floods
4 June 2026 at 09:30 CEST
This full-day technical webinar, organised under the EU-funded SUNSHINE project, provides hands-on training on the use of EU Space services for disaster risk management. Participants will gain practical guidance on accessing and applying Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) products for floods and wildfires, as well as insights into tools such as EFAS and EFFIS. Through live demonstrations, guided exercises, and interactive sessions with experts, the webinar supports the integration of space-based data into preparedness, response, and recovery activities.
Add the webinar to your calendar.
End-to-end testing for emergency communications in 4G and 5G
16 June 2026 at 14:30 CEST
Part of EENA’s webinar series on the 2G/3G shutdown and emergency communications
As emergency communications increasingly rely on 4G and 5G networks, ensuring the reliability of emergency calls across devices, networks and PSAPs has become more important than ever. In this webinar, EENA, GSMA and the Global Certification Forum (GCF) will present their joint initiative to develop a common framework for end-to-end testing of emergency communications. The goal is to help identify and minimise issues affecting emergency calls in next-generation mobile networks and improve interoperability across the emergency communications ecosystem. The session will explore the main challenges related to emergency calling in 4G and 5G environments, the importance of coordinated testing approaches and how collaboration between industry and public authorities can support more resilient and reliable emergency communications.
Add the webinar to your calendar.
Resilience and support for call‑takers responding to suicidal crises
23 June 2026 at 14:30 CEST
Emergency call‑takers are on the frontline of suicidal crises, supporting people in their most vulnerable moments. While this work is critical and lifesaving, repeated exposure to high‑intensity calls places staff at risk of secondary traumatic stress, compassion fatigue, and long‑term emotional strain. This webinar explores how emergency communication centres can strengthen staff wellbeing through trauma‑informed practices, training, and operational support. The focus is on practical and evidence‑based approaches that help call‑takers maintain psychological resilience while continuing to provide safe, effective support to callers in crisis.
Add the webinar to your calendar.
Standardisation
ETSI publishes new standard to support NG112 interoperability
ETSI has published a new technical specification, ETSI TS 103 480, designed to strengthen interoperability across next-generation emergency communications networks. The standard provides a common framework for testing whether systems from different vendors can work together seamlessly, helping ensure reliable access to emergency services. The specification covers key functions such as emergency call routing, location delivery, Advanced Mobile Location (AML), and multimedia communications. By supporting consistent interoperability testing, ETSI aims to help emergency communications systems operate effectively across networks, technologies and borders, supporting the continued development of NG112, eCall and other next-generation emergency services.
Digital Networks Act
New resource: Understanding the Digital Networks Act
The proposed Digital Networks Act (DNA) is set to become the EU’s main legislation for telecommunications and connectivity, replacing the current European Electronic Communications Code. The proposal includes important provisions for 112 access, public warning systems, network resilience, emergency communications during outages, and cross-border cooperation. The legislative process is now underway, with the European Parliament and Member States discussing possible amendments. This means there is still an opportunity to influence the final text and help ensure that the needs of emergency services and public warning authorities are properly reflected.
To support this discussion, EENA has launched a new webpage explaining the proposal, highlighting its implications for emergency communications, and outlining how members can contribute to the ongoing debate. Now is the time to make your voice heard before the legislation is finalised.
Emergency communications around the world
Cyprus launches nationwide cell broadcast warning system
Cyprus has officially launched CY-Alert, a nationwide emergency warning system based on cell broadcast technology. The system enables authorities to send real-time alerts directly to mobile phones in affected areas, without requiring an app or internet connection. Officials say the system will provide rapid and reliable public warnings during emergencies, with messages delivered regardless of network congestion and even overriding silent settings. Public tests will take place over the coming weeks before the system becomes fully operational. The rollout follows growing calls for stronger public warning capabilities after recent emergencies and regional security incidents.
Read more here (Cyprus Time).
Read more here (Cyprus Time).
Sweden to launch nationwide cell broadcast warning system
Sweden will begin rolling out SE-Alert, a new cell broadcast-based public warning system, on 1 July 2026. SE-Alert will complement existing warning channels such as radio, television, apps and the Hesa Fredrik siren system. Designed to reach more than 95% of the country, it is expected to work on most smartphones from 2016 onwards. The first public test is planned for September, with full nationwide deployment expected by the end of the year. Authorities say the system strengthens Sweden’s civil preparedness and draws on lessons learned from recent international crises, including the war in Ukraine.
Read more here (Swedish Herald)
Latvia upgrades warning system after drone alerts
Latvia has introduced a new two-level cell broadcast warning system for airspace threats following recent drone-related incidents. From now on, authorities will use yellow alerts to warn of a potential threat and orange alerts when immediate protective action is required. The change aims to help the public better understand the urgency of alerts and respond appropriately. The incidents also highlighted challenges with Latvia’s 112.lv emergency information website, which experienced performance issues after large numbers of people attempted to access it following nationwide alerts. Authorities have since increased the site’s capacity and are seeking additional funding to further strengthen the platform. Officials stressed that cell broadcast remains the primary warning channel, while 112.lv serves mainly as a source of preparedness and follow-up information.
Finland speeds up the launch of cell broadcast warning system
Finland’s Ministry of the Interior has announced that the country’s new FI-Alert public warning system will be operational by the end of October 2026, following a government decision to accelerate its development and deployment. The accelerated rollout follows growing discussions about public warning capabilities and the need for faster, more comprehensive alerting. FI-Alert will complement existing warning channels, including the 112 Suomi app, radio, television and online platforms. Authorities say the new system will improve the speed and reach of emergency warnings and align Finland with the EU Alert approach already used in many other European countries.
India begins nationwide testing of cell broadcast disaster alerts
India has started nationwide testing of an indigenous cell broadcast warning system designed to deliver emergency alerts more quickly during disasters. Developed by C-DOT and integrated into the existing SACHET platform, the system complements the SMS-based alert service already used across the country, which has sent more than 134 billion warning messages. As part of the rollout, authorities are conducting large-scale tests nationwide, and citizens may receive test messages in English, Hindi and regional languages.
Read more here (The Live Nagpur)
Technical failure affects Madrid’s 112 emergency number
Madrid’s 112 emergency service experienced technical problems on 25 May, making it difficult for some callers to reach the emergency number. Authorities activated alternative emergency numbers, including 061 for medical emergencies, 091 for the National Police, and 092 for Municipal Police, while work was carried out to restore normal service. The disruption reportedly affected several parts of the region and follows similar communication issues that occurred earlier this year. Authorities did not report any major incidents linked to the outage but highlighted the importance of maintaining backup arrangements to ensure continued access to emergency services during technical failures.
Read more here (Democrata, in Spanish)
India moves towards a single national emergency number
India’s Supreme Court has directed all states and Union Territories to integrate emergency services under the 112 number within three months, aiming to create a single, nationwide emergency access point. The move would replace the need for multiple numbers currently used for police, fire, ambulance and other emergency services. The Court highlighted the importance of rapid emergency response, particularly in serious accidents, and also called for the integration of GPS and vehicle tracking systems with the 112 network. In addition, the central government has been tasked with developing a nationwide trauma rescue protocol to support more coordinated emergency responses across the country.
EU proposes satellite spectrum rules to strengthen technological sovereignty
The European Commission has proposed new rules for the allocation of mobile satellite spectrum, reserving a significant share for European operators as part of its efforts to strengthen technological sovereignty and reduce reliance on non-European providers. Under the proposal, one-third of the spectrum would be reserved for government uses such as security and defence, while the remaining capacity would be shared between European and non-European operators. The spectrum is particularly important for direct-to-device satellite communications, critical communications and connectivity in remote areas. The proposal is linked to the development of the EU’s IRIS² satellite constellation and reflects a broader push to enhance Europe’s resilience and strategic autonomy in digital infrastructure. The measures still require approval from EU Member States and the European Parliament before entering into force.
EENA was here
ESA Workshop on Satellite Navigation Technologies
20–22 May 2026, Noordwijk, Netherlands
EENA attended NAVITEC, an event at the European Space Agency, which discussed satellites used in calculating device locations. During this event, EENA discussed the importance of GNSS and other PNT solutions such as the Galileo constellation in helping devices send their location to PSAPs, as well as the potential importance of the Galileo Early Warning Satellite Service in sending public warnings. Attendees at the event also discussed the importance of improving the resilience of these services, which have been subject to jamming and other disruptions in recent years.