Implementation and enforcement in the Member States of European legislation regarding 112 emergency call location technology

26.9.2019

Question for written answer E-002997-19
to the Commission
Rule 138
Nicolae Ştefănuță (Renew) , Clotilde Armand (Renew) , Vlad-Marius Botoş (Renew) , Dacian Cioloş (Renew) , Cristian Ghinea (Renew) , Ramona Strugariu (Renew) , Dragoş Pîslaru (Renew) , Dragoş Tudorache (Renew)

Emergencies bear no respect for time or place. From 1991, with the free movement of persons in the European Union, the EU authorities have been aware of the need to provide emergency assistance for their citizens in the countries in which they are travelling in the same way as in their own countries.

A recent tragedy in Romania has drawn attention to the problem of 112 caller location. On 25 July 2019, a 15-year-old girl, was abducted and raped. She nevertheless had the presence of mind to call 112 and seek assistance. However, no assistance was forthcoming because of defective location technology.

The new European Electronic Communications Code specifies that all Member States are required to transpose Directive (EU) 2018/1972 by the end of 2020. Under Article 109 thereof, Member States are required to ensure that the most accurate caller location information possible can be obtained.

1. What progress has been made regarding the implementation and enforcement in the Member States of European legislation regarding 112 emergency calls?

2. Does the Commission consider that inspection and verification of 112 emergency call services should be carried out not only in Romania but also in other countries with defective caller localisation systems?