Commission proposes new EU critical communication system for first responders

Fires, floods, storms, drone threats to critical infrastructure or terrorist attacks require an effective, well-coordinated response from police, firefighters, medical services and civil protection teams. Today, their ability to communicate with each other is limited -- their communication systems aren't connected and stop working once they cross a border. This often means emergency services can't communicate with one another while working to save lives and restore public safety in crises. Announced by President von der Leyen in her political guidelines, the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS) will address this by significantly improving day-to-day operational cooperation in the fight against terrorism and crime, and saving lives in emergencies, making the EU a safer place. The next generation of critical communication for first responders EUCCS will let first responders communicate across services and across borders, share photos, video and audio, and communicate faster and more securely, both nationally and across Europe. Specifically: all Member States will gradually move from narrowband radio systems to broadband technology such as 5G, while EU satellites provide additional support for situations where ground-based systems fail, such as during power outages; and EUCCS will let first responders share data, video, messages and geolocation in real time through a single secure device, improving situational awareness and coordination during crises or emergencies. Security and resilience by design As emergencies grow more complex in both nature and scale, the system is designed to stay secure, available and resilient at all times, prioritising first responders even when mobile networks are saturated or disrupted. Where no mobile network is available, the system will fall back on EU satellite support, as well as deployable mobile communication units that can restore connectivity for crisis coordination. The system will be secured and protected against cyber and hybrid attacks using encryption and a strong protocol, supported by two specialised entities: an EU network monitoring centre providing a secure, resilient fibre-optic network so countries can connect through a single central point instead of building multiple separate links, and an EU-level security monitoring centre tracking cybersecurity risks, assessing threats and supporting Member States. Strengthening European strategic autonomy The proposal offers Member States a new, European-built solution, reducing dependence on foreign technologies and strengthening European technological sovereignty. Critical components of the system -- including satellites, the core mobile network and the broadband mobile technology used -- are developed by European companies. Member States will keep full control over their national networks and the governance of the new system, which will be overseen by a group of Member State experts. Next steps It is now up to the European Parliament and the Council to adopt the regulations. The EU Critical Communication System is planned to roll out gradually, with a built-in transition period for Member States, starting in 2030.