EENA Update 23/04/2026
EENA’s newsletter brings you the latest updates in emergency communications.
In this edition, you can read about Finland’s plans for a cell broadcast system, problems with non-emergency calls in London and Moldova, Singapore launching a cell broadcast system, and much more!
Subscribe to the newsletter here!
EENA News
That’s a wrap on the EENA 2026 Conference & Exhibition!
Last week, over 700 public safety professionals from across Europe and beyond gathered in Riga for the EENA 2026 Conference & Exhibition. The three-day event was filled with forward-looking discussions, from strengthening resilience in emergency communications and the transition to Next Generation 112, to Public Warning Systems, AI applications in PSAPs, and the impact of evolving technologies on emergency response.
The programme featured inspiring keynotes, insightful sessions, and plenty of opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration. We also had the privilege of recognising outstanding contributions through the 112 Awards, celebrating individuals making a real difference in public safety.
Thank you to all attendees, speakers, and sponsors who helped make this year’s edition such a success. We look forward to welcoming you again at the next EENA Conference in Malmö, Sweden, on 7-9 April 2027!
All presentations will be available on 24 April.
Visit the Conference website here!
EENA certification awarded to two organisations
EENA is pleased to announce that Integrierte Leitstelle Mannheim and Verisure (Senior Protection) have been awarded EENA certifications, recognising their commitment to high-quality emergency services. Integrierte Leitstelle Mannheim received the PSAP Certification at Level 2 – Accredited, highlighting its advanced processes and strong operational performance in emergency call handling. Verisure (Senior Protection) was awarded the TPSP Certification for its reliable emergency response services supporting customers. These certifications underline the importance of both public authorities and third-party providers in ensuring effective and trusted emergency assistance across Europe.
Learn more about the certification programmes.
2G/3G Shutdown
Concerns over eCall reliability as 2G shutdown approaches in the Netherlands
The Dutch motorists’ association ANWB has raised concerns about the impact of the 2G network shutdown on the eCall system, which has been mandatory in new cars since 2018. Around 2 million vehicles in the Netherlands could lose eCall functionality once 2G is switched off in 2027. As most systems cannot be upgraded via software, replacing them would require costly hardware changes, with no clear solution yet in place. Authorities acknowledge the issue, and discussions are ongoing on possible regulatory adjustments to avoid penalties for affected vehicles. The situation highlights broader challenges linked to legacy technologies and the transition to newer networks.
Learn more about the issues with 2G/3G shutdown (EENA).
Webinars
Interested in speaking in one of our webinars?
We are currently planning more webinars for 2026 that will be announce shortly. If you have a topic suggestion or would like to present at an EENA webinar, you can reach out to Sanna Antila at [email protected].
Projects
ARTEMis at EENA 2026: Understanding citizen preparedness
The ARTEMis project was present at the EENA Conference 2026, contributing to the session on citizen preparedness by presenting survey results on societal needs. The findings reveal a clear gap: while there is room to strengthen preparedness across Europe, there is a strong willingness among citizens to play an active role. At the same time, citizens show a growing preference for receiving public warning alerts directly on their mobile phones. These insights highlight the need to shift mindsets and bring preparedness and public authorities closer to communities, making it more accessible and embedded in everyday life.
Learn more about ARTEMis here.
Subscribe to the TOGETHER newsletter
If you are interested in disaster risk management, subscribe to the TOGETHER project newsletter to stay up to date and discover how the project is strengthening disaster resilience across Europe. By improving coordination between authorities, businesses, and communities, TOGETHER is working to turn information into actionable insights for better, more informed decision-making.
Standardisation
The GSMA’s updated standard introduces new messaging and video features
The GSMA has finalised RCS Universal Profile 4.0, introducing a major upgrade to the Rich Communication Services standard aimed at improving the user experience across devices and networks. One of the key new features is native video calling within messaging apps, allowing users to seamlessly move from text conversations to real-time video interactions without leaving the chat. The update also introduces rich text messaging, enabling formatting such as bold and italics, alongside improved support for higher-quality media sharing. For businesses, enhancements include video streaming within messages and more flexible link handling, allowing smoother user journeys between messaging and external services. Overall, the new profile aims to strengthen interoperability and brings RCS closer to offering a consistent, feature-rich alternative to traditional messaging services.
Emergency communications around the world
Finland to introduce cell broadcast-based system by 2027
Finland is set to introduce a new hazard information system based on cell broadcast technology, aligning with systems already used across the EU. The system will allow authorities to send alerts to all mobile phones in a specific area within seconds, regardless of network congestion or device settings. Planned for completion by 2027, the system will complement existing warning channels to ensure more reliable, multi-channel communication during emergencies. Officials note that the development had been delayed for years due to lack of funding, but recent budget allocations and the evolving security environment have accelerated progress.
Singapore has launched a new national cell broadcast system, SG Alert
This new mobile-based public warning system was developed for over nearly two years, and will warn people quickly about serious emergencies like fires, chemical accidents, and terrorist threats. The system uses cell broadcast technology, so alerts arrive within seconds without needing mobile data, Wi-Fi, or personal information. Unlike a normal SMS, the system works during network problems. Alerts can be sent across the whole country or only to affected areas. Messages will be mainly in English, but Mandarin, Malay, or Tamil may also be used depending on phone settings. No app or sign-up is needed, and people cannot turn it off themselves. The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) said the first public test will happen on 10 May for Singtel users, and testing will later expand to StarHub and other operators by 2027.
112 app update helps users locate nearest defibrillator in Sweden
Sweden’s 112 app has introduced a new feature allowing users to find the nearest defibrillator, aiming to support faster response in cardiac emergencies. The update uses data from the national Defibrillator Register and is expected to help improve early intervention and survival rates. With 1.8 million users, the app’s effectiveness will depend on continued registration of defibrillators to ensure broad and accurate coverage.
Read more here (Dagens Medicin)
Rising hoax calls increase pressure on fire brigade in London
Hoax calls to the London Fire Brigade (LFB) have reached record levels, with costs already exceeding £500,000 in 2025. More than 1,100 hoax calls were recorded between January and October, marking a significant increase compared to previous years. Officials warn that such calls divert critical resources and can delay response to real emergencies. While most false alarms are made in good faith, hoax calls remain a serious concern, particularly as fire services face ongoing resource pressures.
High number of non-emergency calls in Moldova
In Moldova, more than 12,000 calls were made to the 112 emergency number over the Easter period, with around 41% classified as non-emergencies. These included accidental calls and requests for information. Genuine emergencies mainly involved medical incidents, public safety issues and fires. Authorities stress that unnecessary calls can delay response to real emergencies and remind the public to use 112 only in urgent situations. Parents are also encouraged to supervise children to prevent accidental calls.
Typhoon Sinlaku hit terrestrial infrastructure in Saipan, shutting down emergency communications
After Typhoon Sinlaku struck the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), it severely damaged Saipan’s only public safety communications tower, disrupting vital links between emergency services and critical response teams. Restoring communications quickly became a priority, but debris made access difficult, requiring external support. Through coordinated assistance, Guam provided equipment, Hawaii sent a communications expert, and federal agencies delivered technical support and temporary systems. This joint effort enabled a rapid restoration of emergency communications, highlighting the importance of both resilient infrastructure and strong cooperation in crisis response.
“All clear” emergency alert mistakenly sent citywide in Denver, US
Authorities in Denver are investigating after an “all clear” emergency alert was mistakenly sent to a wider audience than intended following a robbery incident. The alert was meant only for residents within a localised shelter-in-place area, but was instead delivered to people across the wider metro area. Police confirmed that the incident was resolved safely, with suspects arrested and no injuries reported. Officials are now reviewing the system to understand why the alert was distributed beyond its intended scope, marking the second such incident in recent months.