Brussels – EU plans a new communication system for emergency services

BRUSSELS, September 30 /ATSH-DPA/ – The European Commission plans to create a joint communication system for emergency services, aiming to enable first-response teams in EU countries to communicate instantly, including across borders.

European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner said Europe’s security depends on the ability to act together and that, in situations where lives are at risk, emergency teams must be able to communicate without delay.

The need for such a system also became evident during a forest fire this summer on the Germany–Belgium border, where firefighters from the two countries lost contact during the operation.

The planned network will be used by the police, firefighters, medical services and civil protection teams.

It will be activated in cases such as natural disasters, threats to critical infrastructure or terrorist attacks.

Unlike traditional systems based mainly on radio, the new technology will use broadband networks, including 5G.

This will enable teams to exchange video, data, text messages and location information in real time.

The European Commission aims for the system to work even when ordinary networks are overloaded or damaged, ensuring more resilient communication channels during crises.

According to Brunner, the solution will be developed together with European companies, aiming to reduce the EU’s dependence on foreign technologies and increase its resilience in emergency situations.

The Commission aims to roll out the system gradually starting in 2030.

However, the plan still needs to be approved by EU member states and the European Parliament. /Ad.Ab./ a.jor.