04 June 2025
“Communication mustn’t stop where cooperation begins,” this is what David Lund (Board Member of PSCE, coordinator of EUCCS Preparation) said in an interview with ASTRID last month. During the exchange, Lund highlighted the initiative’s goal: a pan-European, mission-critical mobile network that enables first responders to communicate easily, effectively, efficiently during (and not only), cross-border operations.
EUCCS Preparation programme builds on earlier EU-funded initiatives, including BroadMap and BroadWay, which identified key user requirements and tested solutions in 18 countries. These efforts confirmed the feasibility of cross-border operational mobility. Fifteen countries are now involved in EUCCS, with eight conducting national-level tests using mission-critical servers.
Unlike traditional tech-first projects, EUCCS Preparation centers on the needs of frontline responders. “Instead of focusing first on technical interoperability, we put operational mobility at the core. That philosophy still guides EUCCS today” David explained. Still, challenges persist, especially in aligning data-sharing practices across EU Member States. Standardizing protocols around data protection, access rights, and retention is seen as critical.
With the groundwork laid, PSCE is now focusing on shared operational procedures and future readiness. The organization is also involved in multiple 6G projects under the EU’s €900 million research budget, ensuring EUCCS evolves with emerging technologies.
Endorsed as a priority by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EUCCS represents a vital step toward a safer, more integrated Europe. David and the PSCE team will share updates at Critical Communications World 2025 and the ASTRID User Days in Brussels this 17-19 June.
