Why was a single number created?
The need to introduce a single number for emergency events throughout Europe was already discussed in the 80's. This was due to a rapid increase in the number of tourists and business and study trips in European countries.
In order to increase the safety of travellers and make it easier for people to call the service they need, a single European number 1 1 2 for emergency events was created.
In 1991, the Council of the European Communities adopted a decision on the introduction of the single European emergency call number 1 1 2, so that the Member States of the European Union must ensure that this number operates.
The European single emergency call number 1 1 2 operates not only in the Member States of the European Union but also elsewhere - Islande, Norway, Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Monaco, the Vatican, Serbia, Macedonia, Georgia, San Marino, the Faroe Islands, the Isle of Mena, Israel, Turkey and certain areas of Russia.
Advantages of the single emergency call number 1 1 2:
- operates in all countries of the European Union;
- call 24 hours a day;
- the call is free of charge;
- you can call from any telephone apparatus;
- it's easy to remember.
Research
Every year, the European Commission conducts a study on the operation of telephone number 1 1 2 in European countries, with more than 1 000 respondents per Member State.
Surveys have shown that public awareness of telephone number 1 1 2 in the European Union is increasing and citizens know that telephone number 1 1 2 works not only in their own country but also throughout the EU.
Useful Internet addresses:
- The Commission's 112 website
- European Emergency number Association (EENA)
- Lithuanian 1 1 2 call centre
- Estonian 1 1 2 call centre