11th February (11-2), is 112 Day, to raise awareness of the single emergency number for all EU countries. The European Commission will present its latest evaluation of EU countries' efforts to increase people's awareness of 112 and handle 112 emergency calls in a multi-lingual and effective way.

The single European emergency number works in all EU Member States but not all Europeans are yet aware of it. When travelling across Europe, you can dial 112, from a mobile phone or a fixed line, and you will be put in touch with the emergency services.

Last year, only 24% of Europeans questioned in an opinion poll could spontaneously identify 112 as the number on which they can call emergency services anywhere in the EU. 28% of them also declared that they have had language problems when calling 112 while in another Member State.

To ensure that 112 is known all over Europe, the European Commission, together with the European Parliament and Council, have declared February 11th the “European 112 Day”. 112 Day will also be marked in many European countries with awareness campaigns and events. The '112 website' will also be revamped for 112 Day.

Background

The single European emergency number 112 was launched in 1991. It provides a single number to call in case of emergency in the EU, making emergency services especially more accessible to travellers. 112 emergency services can be reached free of charge throughout Europe, from fixed or mobile phones.

Member States must also provide citizens with information about the existence and purpose of 112. Telecoms operators are obliged to give caller location information to the emergency services to allow them to locate accidents and find the victims in time.