Dial 112 for emergency in Europe

Source: Agencies  |   2008-6-4  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

ALL European Union states except Bulgaria have introduced the 112 emergency phone number but most people don't know they can use it everywhere in the 27-nation bloc, an EU official said yesterday.

The aim of the 112 number is to ensure that when any of the bloc's 490 million citizens need emergency help, they know which number to call, whatever country they are in.

EU Telecommunications Commissioner Viviane Reding unveiled a Website to inform citizens about the benefits of 112.

"The main problem is the lack of awareness. Making citizens aware is the responsibility of national administrations. It's not a job well done so far," Reding said.

A survey showed that just over a fifth of people were aware they could use the 112 number outside their home country while only 41 percent knew it was available where they lived.

Reding dismissed reports Britain would be forced to give up its 999 number. "112 does not replace national emergency numbers. It's an additional number targeted at those traveling to other countries," he said.