EENA Update 07/01/2026
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about the European Commission recognising the risk of losing access to 112 while roaming, Luxembourg enabling emergency video calls, and much more!
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EENA News
Registration for EENA Conference & Exhibition 2026 is open!
Join us in Riga, Latvia, on 15-17 April 2026, for three days of discussions, practical insights, and opportunities to connect with over 700 public safety professionals from more than 50 countries.
Whether you’re an emergency services professional, researcher, solution provider, mobile network operator, or EU institution representative, the EENA Conference offers a space to learn, exchange experiences, and stay up to date with the latest developments in public safety.
The conference programme will focus on strengthening preparedness and resilience in emergency communications, addressing challenges posed by geopolitical uncertainty, natural disasters, and the phasing out of 2G/3G networks. We will also explore Public Warning Systems, data integration, Next Generation 112, AI in PSAPs, and forthcoming EU legislation.
To benefit from the early bird price, register before 31 January! More information on our website.
Webinars
SUNSHINE Training Webinar: Galileo services and Copernicus EMS drought & exposure mapping components for disaster resilience
20 January 2026 at 9:30 CET
This SUNSHINE training webinar introduces civil protection professionals to the operational use of EU Space Programme services for disaster management. Sessions will cover the Copernicus Emergency Management Service (CEMS) drought and exposure mapping components as well as key Galileo-enabled services such as the Emergency Warning Satellite Service (EWSS), the Open Service Navigation Message Authentication (OSNMA) and the Search and Rescue (SAR) services, with demonstrations, interactive exercises, and quizzes. More information available here.
Disability-accessible emergency communications: Learning from wartime experiences in Ukraine
27 January 2026 at 14:30 CET
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, emergency communication systems have had to adapt rapidly to ensure that critical information reaches persons with disabilities. Wartime conditions have highlighted both progress and persistent gaps in making emergency warnings and public information accessible. This webinar will explore the improvements introduced in Ukraine to enhance disability accessibility in emergency communications since early 2022, while also examining the challenges that remain. Drawing on real-world experience, the session will offer insights for public authorities and emergency services working to strengthen inclusive emergency communication and preparedness.
Understanding the Digital Networks Act: the new EU regulation on 112
29 January 2026 at 16:00 CET
On 20 January, the European Commission is expected to release a proposal for a new legislation on telecommunications in Europe: the Digital Networks Act. Once adopted, this legislation will replace the European Electronic Communications Code as the main legislation in the European Union on emergency communications. In this webinar, we will explain the provisions in the proposal from the European Commission and how these may affect the future of emergency communications in Europe. We will also detail EENA’s position on the proposal and the next steps towards the adoption of the text.
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
The European Commission acknowledged the risk to emergency access over 4G/5G roaming
The European Commission has formally recognised the risks EU citizens will soon face when contacting emergency services over 4G and 5G while roaming. In response to a written Parliamentary Question from MEP Elena Kountoura (Left, EL), the Commission acknowledged that the S8HR roaming architecture can limit key emergency functions including the ability to transmit accurate caller location and prevent emergency services from calling back if a call drops. Credit is due to MEP Elena Kountoura (Left, EL) for putting this issue on the agenda, and to the European Commission for undertaking to engage with national authorities and mobile network operators to find a solution. EENA will closely follow work to resolve this and other issues affecting access to 112 over 4G and 5G in the coming months.
Luxembourg enables video calls during emergency calls
Luxembourg has introduced the option to establish a live video connection during emergency calls to 112, the Interior Minister has confirmed. The new functionality, implemented by the Grand-Ducal Fire and Rescue Corps (CGDIS), allows emergency call takers to better assess complex situations and guide callers through first aid when needed. When appropriate, the operator can send an SMS link to the caller, enabling temporary access to the smartphone’s camera and microphone. Live video and audio from the scene are then transmitted directly to the Emergency Response Centre. The feature is not activated automatically and is used only when it can add value to the response. The introduction of video calls forms part of Luxembourg’s implementation of the European Accessibility Act, aiming to make emergency services more accessible and effective for all users.
Czech emergency app adds universal SOS button and SMS chat
The Czech emergency app has introduced a universal SOS button and an SMS chat feature to improve access to emergency services nationwide. The new SOS button allows users to choose between medical assistance, connecting directly to line 155, or other emergencies, which are routed to 112. The SMS chat function enables users who are unable to speak to communicate with emergency services, allowing location data and essential information to be shared more quickly. Rolling out gradually on Android and iOS, the update aims to reduce uncertainty during emergencies, improve response times, and enhance accessibility for people with disabilities or language barriers as part of Czechia’s ongoing efforts to modernise emergency services.
US cuts to FEMA raise concerns over disaster response capacity
The Trump administration has begun cutting dozens of staff at the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), targeting its Cadre of On-Call Response and Recovery (CORE) workforce. Around 50 employees were informed that their contracts would not be renewed in early January, a move the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) described as a routine adjustment, but which current and former officials say is highly unusual. CORE staff make up around 40% of FEMA’s workforce and are often the first federal responders deployed during disasters, supporting local authorities and managing recovery aid. Critics warn that further reductions could significantly weaken disaster response, leaving states to cope with major emergencies with limited federal support. The cuts come amid broader plans to shrink FEMA and shift more responsibility to states, despite warnings of existing staffing shortages and growing disaster risks.
Emergency Location Service launched in India
Google has launched Android’s Emergency Location Service (ELS) in India, starting with the state of Uttar Pradesh, where it has been fully integrated into the 112 emergency response system. The rollout follows a large-scale pilot involving around 20 million emergency calls and messages, during which ELS successfully transmitted location data even when calls dropped shortly after connecting.
ELS improves caller location accuracy by combining GPS, Wi-Fi and mobile network data, enabling first responders to locate callers within around 50 metres. The service activates automatically when a call or SMS is made to 112, requires no additional app or hardware, and is available on Android devices running version 6.0 or later.
FCC advances multilingual emergency alerts in the United States
The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken further steps to improve the accessibility of Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). In October 2023, the FCC adopted rules requiring wireless providers participating in WEA to support template-based emergency alerts in the 13 most commonly spoken languages in the United States, as well as in American Sign Language (ASL). Building on this, on 8 January 2025 the FCC adopted 18 standard WEA alert templates covering the most common and time-sensitive emergencies. These templates are available in English, the 13 most-used written languages, and ASL. ASL alerts are delivered via short signed video messages, followed by key written information such as the issuing authority, affected area, and alert duration. According to the FCC’s latest decision, mobile service providers participating in WEA must comply with these multilingual requirements by 12 June 2028, marking a significant step towards more inclusive public warning systems.
Bengaluru police integrate 112 emergency access into ride apps in India
Bengaluru City Police have partnered with ride-hailing platforms Uber and Ola to strengthen emergency response and improve safety for riders and drivers. The new integration allows users to contact the police directly through the app’s built-in emergency features, sharing real-time location data and trip details with the city’s 112 emergency response system. During an emergency, riders or drivers can activate the SOS function from within the app, enabling police to receive live location updates, contact information, and relevant trip details to support faster intervention. Authorities say the seamless flow of information will help reduce response times and support more effective first responder action. The initiative follows earlier directives requiring transport apps to link SOS features with the police command centre and forms part of broader efforts to use technology partnerships to enhance urban safety in Bengaluru.
Co-responder model reduces mental health crises and emergency calls in California
A new study from Stanford University shows that pairing police officers with mental health clinicians can significantly improve responses to mental health-related emergencies. In San Mateo County, a “co-responder model” introduced across several cities reduced involuntary psychiatric hospitalisations by around 17% and lowered repeat mental health-related 911 calls. Under the model, clinicians work alongside police to assess situations, provide de-escalation, and connect individuals with appropriate social and health services, reducing reliance on arrests or emergency hospital care. Researchers estimate the approach saved between $300,000 and $800,000 annually by avoiding costly interventions. The programme, initially piloted over two years, has now been adopted more widely across the county, with several cities making the roles permanent. The findings add to growing evidence that alternative response models can improve outcomes for people in crisis while easing pressure on emergency services.
New Year’s Eve drives sharp spike in 112 emergency calls in Sweden
Emergency calls to 112 in Sweden surge every New Year’s Eve, with volumes doubling before midnight and tripling in some areas shortly after, according to SOS Alarm. During the night spanning 31 December to 1 January, call numbers rose from around 3,200 on a typical weekend evening to just over 8,000, with the busiest period between midnight and 1:00 am. Most calls relate to genuine emergencies, particularly injuries linked to fireworks, accidents and fires. Fire-related calls alone increased by more than 200% in the hour after midnight. However, around one third of calls were not emergencies, meaning an estimated 2,500 calls could have been avoided on the night. SOS Alarm stressed that unnecessary calls can delay responses to urgent incidents, as all calls enter the same queue despite increased staffing during peak periods.