The European Commission has today adopted its 2024 report on the effectiveness of the implementation of the European emergency number 112. This biennial report, submitted to the European Parliament and the Council as mandated by the European Electronic Communications Code, evaluates progress in ensuring efficient emergency response across the EU and associated countries.

Since 2007, the Commission has been gathering data on the implementation of 112, which serves as the single European emergency number. The 2024 report highlights significant developments and ongoing challenges in the system's operation.

Key Findings

• Increased Usage: Calls to 112 represented 62% of all emergency calls, a substantial increase compared to 2021. Approximately 2.7 million calls were made by roaming end-users, accounting for 1.56% of all 112 calls.

• Enhanced Caller Location Accuracy: The adoption of handset-derived Advanced Mobile Location (AML) technology continues to expand. As of September 2024, 25 Member States, along with Iceland and Norway, have AML-enabled Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs). However, only 8 Member States currently provide handset-derived location data for roaming end-users.

• Accessibility Challenges: End-users with disabilities still face barriers to equivalent emergency access, particularly when roaming. In cases where voice calls to 112 are not possible, individuals must rely on fragmented national systems. This situation is expected to improve with the deployment of interoperable real-time text (RTT) by June 2025, as required by the European Accessibility Act.

• PSAP Technology Upgrades: National PSAP systems are undergoing upgrades to packet-switched technology to support RTT and eCall services. These upgrades, mandated by EU legislation, are expected to be completed between 2025 and 2027. The modernization will enable PSAPs to handle a wider range of communication methods, ensuring greater versatility and redundancy in emergency response.

Next Steps

The report underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration among Member States, service providers, and regulatory bodies to address remaining gaps. By 2025, significant strides are anticipated in accessibility and technological modernization, aligning emergency communication systems with evolving user needs and EU legislation.

For more information and access to the full report, visit the European Commission's website at: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/en/library/2024-report-implementation-eu-emergency-number-112