The European Commission launches a consultation on the Establishment of the European Critical Communication System (EUCCS)

15 July 2025

The consultation is now closed (28 May 2025).

As part of its efforts to strengthen security, resilience, and cross-border cooperation in Europe, the European Commission has launched a public consultation on the creation of a European Critical Communication System (EUCCS).

This consultation forms part of the preparatory phase of a major EU initiative, aimed at modernising the communication systems used by public safety and security authorities such as police forces, fire services, emergency medical teams, and civil protection agencies.

An urgent need for modernisation

Currently, many Member States still rely on legacy systems that are 20 to 25 years old, based on standards such as TETRA, TETRAPOL, or DMR. These systems are often limited to voice communications, poorly suited for sharing rich information (such as video, images, or data), and generally not interoperable across borders.

Without coordinated EU action, there is a growing risk of further fragmentation in critical communication systems across Europe, making cross-border cooperation more difficult particularly in the case of disasters, major emergencies, or security operations involving multiple countries.

Three options under consideration

The Commission’s consultation outlines three possible implementation scenarios for EUCCS:

• Option 1: Non-binding measures, based on voluntary cooperation between Member States.
• Option 2: A legislative proposal to establish a harmonised “system of systems” at European level, with shared responsibilities between the EU and Member States.
• Option 3: The creation of a centralised system managed at EU level, offering a more uniform and directive framework.

Four partners of the EUCCS preparation project (Astrid, Erillisverkot, PSCE and Nakit) have answered to this consultation, all supporting option 2.

Objectives of the consultation

The consultation aims to:

• Gather opinions and experiences from stakeholders.
• Define more clearly the scope of public authorities involved (police, emergency services, fire brigades, etc.).
• Ensure the broad involvement of all relevant actors, including public authorities, industry, network operators and citizens.

Target stakeholders include national ministries, public safety and telecom authorities, mobile network operators, technology providers, app developers, standardisation bodies, satellite operators, and the public.

A strategic opportunity for security and sovereignty

Establishing a European Critical Communication System represents a strategic investment for the EU. It would help pool resources, stimulate European technological innovation, support competitiveness in the critical communications sector, and ensure that public safety responders benefit from a modern, secure, and interoperable communication capability.

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