Europe celebrates its single emergency number, 112

Publication date: 20 January 2009

Europe celebrates its single emergency number, 112

As Europeans are enjoying the skiing season, the European Commission will celebrate the achievements of 112, the single European emergency number, now available free of charge in all EU Member States. Dialling 112, from home or abroad, from a mobile phone or a fixed line, you will be helped by the appropriate emergency service. This is the only number you need to remember when travelling across all 27 European Member States.

On Wednesday 11 February 2009, the European Commission will celebrate the European 112 Day and present the results of a new Eurobarometer survey which assessed the awareness of 112 and the perception of citizens that have called this number. Commissioner Reding will participate in this event, together with Members of the Parliament and representatives of the Czech Presidency.

On this occasion, a new educational corner will be launched in the 112 website ( http://ec.europa.eu/112 ) to allow young internet users to play interactive games and learn more about 112 in 23 EU languages.

Along with the political event in Brussels, the European 112 Day will be also marked in many European countries with awareness raising campaigns and events.

The background:

The single European emergency number 112 was introduced in 1991. It provides one unique number to call in case of emergency in the EU, thus making emergency services more easily accessible, especially for travellers. EU legislation requires Member States to ensure that all end users of fixed and mobile services can call emergency services free of charge with 112. Member States must also ensure that citizens are informed about the existence and purpose of 112. Telecoms operators must provide caller location information to the emergency services to allow them to locate and find victims of accidents in time.