Brussels Proposes ‘Ultra-Safe’ Crisis Network Connecting Police, Firefighters and Health Workers
The plan would link police, firefighters and health workers through a central hub with satellite backup and real-time video, messages and geolocation.
- Brussels introduced the 'Critical Communication System' to move emergency services from radio to 5G broadband, targeting full operation by 2036. The proposal requires approval from the 27 European Union member states and the European Parliament.
- Across the 27-country European Union, first responders rely on radio, but secure channels often fail at national borders. EU commissioner for internal affairs Magnus Brunner cited a wildfire and shooting in the Netherlands 200 metres from Belgium, operations 'where every minute counted,' illustrating communication gaps.
- Broadband technology enables real-time sharing of video, messages and geolocation via smartphones while a central hub coordinates national systems. European companies including Airbus, Leonardo, and Frequentis will develop key components, with military forces also able to use the network.
- European satellites from the Iris constellation will provide backup if land-bound systems fail during blackouts or emergencies. Officials identified wildfires, counter-terrorism operations, drone threats, and Mediterranean search-and-rescue efforts as scenarios where this technology could prove decisive.
- By coordinating national exchanges through a central hub, the system aims to solve interoperability gaps where Dutch operational centers in Maastricht previously could not alert counterparts in Liege. This approach keeps critical infrastructure development within European borders.
41 Articles
41 Articles
Usually the cross-border communication of police and rescue services in Europe fails due to technical problems. The EU Commission wants to change this now - especially for crisis cases. By Andreas Meyer-Feist.
The Local - Fr
EU plans cross-border emergency comms system to replace radio
The EU put forward Wednesday plans for a new bloc-wide communication system allowing police, firefighters and other national emergency services to better coordinate during cross-border crises.
The European Commission (EC) on Wednesday proposed the creation of a new European Union (EU) Critical Communications System (EUCCS) to provide first responders in Europe with secure and resilient communication channels in crisis situations.
European Commission presented Wednesday a proposal to create the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS), a common infrastructure to improve coordination in the face of cross-border emergencies, disasters and humanitarian crises
BRUSSELS The European Commission presented today, on Wednesday 30 September, a new intra-European communication system to be used on all occasions of first intervention and...
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