Questions and answers on the European Union Critical Communication System

What is the European Union Critical Communication System?

The European Union Critical Communication System (EUCCS) connects national critical communication systems, bringing together different first responders – police, fire departments, emergency medical services and other civil protection organisations – across Member States. It ensures the resilience of the system also in times of crisis by anchoring the principle of priority of critical communications on mobile networks and providing satellite backup where mobile communication is unavailable, by providing a reliable and secure communication system. It allows emergency services and other public authorities to quickly exchange important information, upgrading from voice-only (radio) communication of today to also include text messages, photos, video, geolocation details and other relevant data.

They will better understand what is happening on the ground and can work together hand in hand - nationally and across borders - to save lives.

The EUCCS will cover the whole EU and the Schengen associated countries. It will cover all emergency services: law enforcement, firefighters, civil protection and medical emergency responders. Member States can add further users, notably armed forces, at their own discretion.

The EUCCS builds on ten years of practical experience. It was initiated by the 2015/16 terrorist attacks, when Member States had to grapple with the challenges brought about by separate and incompatible critical communication systems. They launched pilot projects for this system, developed through EU-funded projects and bringing together EU industries and public authorities in an EU solution for EU security.

You can find more information on how the EUCCS will work here.