Our society faces increasingly complex hazards and growing insecurity. Public authorities in charge of security and safety work tirelessly together to keep citizens safe, yet disasters do not respect national borders.
Police forces, fire brigades, rescue teams and civil protection services, among others, need to have access to seamless communication, real-time information exchange and be able to collaborate effectively across agencies and borders
This is where the European Critical Communication System (EUCCS) steps in.
The European Commission Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs (DG HOME), together with experts from EU Member States, are leading the establishment of the EUCCS. Through coordinated European action, EUCCS aims to provide a trusted, interoperable communication environment that supports responders during national, cross-border, and pan-European operations.
EUCCS Preparation is working to support the establishment of EUCCS which will develop a pan-European mobile broadband system that enhances the communication and coordination of public authorities in charge of safety and security during crises and disasters by 2030. EUCCS Preparation is providing the support needed to prepare the technology and procedures, and in the future, the application eco-system.
Political Guidelines (2024–2029)
In her 2024 political guidelines, President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized the creation of a European Critical Communication System to support civil protection and public security across borders. The initiative was mentioned as a core pillar of the strategic vision for the EU during her second term as president of the European Commission.
The Mission Letter (2024)
In September 2024, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed a mission letter to the newly appointed Commissioner for Internal Affairs and Migration, Magnus Brunner. The mission letter outlined how Brunner’s mission will support the key pillars of the European political agenda for 2024-2029. With the EU’s security landscape constantly evolving, the Commissioner was tasked with shaping and updating EU legislation, policies, and operational responses to enhance Europe’s internal security. In addition, President von der Leyen highlighted the European Critical Communication System (EUCCS) as a crucial initiative to enhance the security of the European Union.
ProtectEU (2025)
In April 2025, the EUCCS was identified as one of the key actions of ProtectEU, the new European Internal Security Strategy, 2025-2027. The document complements the EU Preparedness Union Strategy launched in March 2025. The Preparedness Strategy elicits an all-around approach to predicting complex crises and enhancing the EU’s preventive and responsive measures. It action Plan aims to foster a whole-of-society response to preparedness by emphasizing inter and cross-sectoral coordination, with the ultimate goal of building resilience and preparing for future challenges.
Mission Critical Expert Group:
The European Commission’s DG HOME has established a Mission Critical Expert Group, involving experts from EU and Schengen Member States, to assist in the preparation of EUCCS legislation and policy initiatives.