European Commission Proposes Creation of (EU Critical Communications System) for Cross-Border Emergency Devices

Brussels, September 30 (KUNA) -- The European Commission proposed on Wednesday the establishment of the European Critical Communications Network to provide secure, cross-border channels for first responders, such as police, fire, and ambulance services, to exchange data and multimedia instantly via a unified device. European Commissioner for Home Affairs Magnus Brunner said in a statement that “when crises occur, first responders must be able to communicate immediately across different agencies, borders, and throughout Europe.” Brunner explained that the proposed system aims to address shortcomings in the current communications infrastructure, in which first responders in member states rely heavily on wireless devices whose secure channels typically stop at national borders, thereby hindering joint operations. He noted that the new system would enable a transition from traditional wireless communications to broadband technologies such as fifth-generation (5G) networks, ensuring interoperability among national systems through a joint coordination center and establishing a center for monitoring cybersecurity risks and providing support to member states. According to the European Commission, the proposed system would allow the real-time exchange of video, messages, and geolocation data, thereby enhancing responses to wildfires, terrorist threats, drone-related risks, and search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The European Parliament and the Council must now adopt the regulations, as the European Critical Communications Network is scheduled to be rolled out gradually, with a transitional period for member states to connect to the system starting in 2030. (End) A.R.N. / F.L.A.