EENA Update 05/08/2026
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about Australia’s cell broadcast testing, problems with eCall in the UK, problems with wildfires, and more!
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
EENA news
New blog post: Aware, not yet prepared: Practitioners’ perspectives on disaster preparedness
What do emergency responders and civil protection professionals see as the biggest barriers to disaster preparedness?
Our latest blog post, based the answers from a survey by the ARTEMis project, presents the perspectives of 80 practitioners, including emergency responders, civil protection authorities, NGOs, volunteer organisations and policymakers. The findings largely confirm what citizens told us: lack of awareness and training remain the biggest barriers to preparedness. They also highlight challenges related to public warning, trust in emergency alerts, and the adoption of new technologies for disaster risk management.
Webinars
SUNSHINE Training Webinar: Using EU Space Services for Secure Communications and Space Situational Awareness
10 September 2026 at 9:30-13:30 CET
This half-day training webinar, organised under the EU-funded SUNSHINE project, explores how secure satellite communications and Space Situational Awareness services can support civil protection and disaster management. Participants will gain an overview of the purpose, capabilities and operational applications of GOVSATCOM, discover the future potential of IRIS² for resilient communications, and learn how SSA contributes to monitoring and assessing threats originating from space. Through expert presentations and interactive sessions, the webinar highlights how these EU Space Programme components can strengthen disaster resilience.
Add the webinar to your calendar here.
Emergency communications around the world
Australia reviews nationwide cell broadcast test
Australia’s first nationwide test of the AusAlert system demonstrated the potential of cell broadcast technology while highlighting the need for further improvements before the system’s official launch in October 2026. Although millions of compatible devices received the alert, some users reported not receiving it or experiencing inconsistent notifications due to factors such as older devices, software versions and network connectivity. The review also emphasised that cell broadcast should form part of a broader multi-channel public warning strategy, combining mobile alerts with channels such as radio, television, emergency apps, websites and public sirens to ensure consistent and resilient emergency communications.
Read more here (Independent Australia).
Concerns raised over Canada’s tornado warning system
A tornado warning issued across the Ottawa region has prompted calls to improve Canada’s public warning system after the actual tornado risk was confined to a much smaller area. Critics warned that issuing alerts over large geographic zones could reduce public confidence and lead people to ignore future warnings. Environment and Climate Change Canada explained that warnings are currently based on pre-defined alert zones, while the Alert Ready system broadcasts alerts through cell towers covering the affected area. The discussion has renewed calls for more precise, storm-based warning areas to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of emergency alerts.
Read more here (Vancouver Island).
Armenia proposes unified emergency information and public warning framework
Armenia’s Interior Ministry has proposed new legislation to establish a unified framework for collecting, processing and sharing disaster risk management information. The proposal would introduce standard procedures for public authorities and emergency organisations, including strict timelines for reporting emergency information to the 112 Emergency Management Centre, which would operate around the clock. The draft also outlines a multi-channel public warning approach, using alert systems, official websites, mobile applications, SMS and cell broadcast messages, as well as television and radio interruptions to inform the public, including vulnerable groups, during emergencies.
UK advises against relying on next-generation eCall before March 2027
The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has warned that next-generation eCall should not be relied upon before 31 March 2027, as the telecommunications infrastructure needed to support the service is not yet fully in place. The system, fitted to new cars and light commercial vehicles registered since September 2025, is designed to operate over 4G and 5G networks, replacing the legacy 2G-based eCall technology. The warning highlights the importance of completing the necessary network upgrades before next-generation eCall can be considered fully operational.
Read more here (Business Motoring).
Brussels firefighters’ strike ends after agreement with regional government
The Brussels firefighters’ strike has ended after the regional government reached an agreement with trade unions. The deal includes the recruitment of 100 additional firefighters over the coming years, the reinforcement of the 112 emergency call centre with up to 10 additional call handlers, and increased funding for fire service operations and stations. The agreement follows five days of strike action, during which emergency services faced significant staffing shortages.
Major wildfires trigger mass evacuations in France and Spain
More than 220,000 people were evacuated as severe wildfires swept across France and Spain, fuelled by extreme heat, drought and strong winds. France evacuated around 200,000 people in the Gironde and Landes regions, while Spain declared a national emergency as major wildfires near Madrid forced thousands to evacuate or remain indoors. The EU Civil Protection Mechanism was activated to support the response, with additional firefighting aircraft and helicopters deployed to assist national authorities. The fires highlight the growing impact of extreme weather on emergency response and disaster preparedness across Europe.
Rise in hoax 999 calls puts pressure on emergency services
Cambridgeshire Police has reported a sharp increase in hoax 999 calls, receiving 1,427 false emergency calls in 2025, a 48% rise compared with the previous year. The force warned that misuse of the emergency number can delay responses to genuine emergencies and reminded the public that hoax callers may face fines or imprisonment.