ACTIVITIES :: 112
112 : the European emergency number
112 is the phone number to call emergency services
throughout the EU, from fixed or mobile phones, free of charge.
Imagine you are visiting an EU country and you are involved in, or witness, an accident. Would you know which emergency number to call? As Europeans are increasingly travelling for business or leisure, millions of people could be faced with this problem. Fortunately, there is no need to look up and remember the emergency numbers for each EU country you are visiting. Just remember 112!
112 will not replace existing national emergency numbers. In most countries, it operates alongside the existing national numbers. However, Denmark, Finland, the Netherlands, Portugal, Sweden, and most recently Romania have opted for 112 as the main national emergency number. In some other countries, 112 is the only emergency number for certain emergency services (such as Estonia and Luxembourg for ambulances or fire brigades).
On 11 February 2009, the Commission has celebrated the first European 112 Day in co-operation with the European Parliament and the Czech Presidency. Together, we are showing that Europe delivers significant results for its citizens.
On this website:
- Find out how 112 works in each EU country: which languages do emergency operators speak? What are the response times? Can you call from your mobile phone if your mobile network has no coverage?
- Download the 112 Factsheet
- Learn how to use the single European emergency number 112
- Play video on 112
