European Emergency Number "112"

As more and more citizens travel across the EU, be it to work or for a holiday, a single number which works across the EU (and which does not replace national numbers) is a necessary and simple solution.

Diana in Brussels for the joint Parliament / Commission event on 3 June 2008

And the good news is that... it exists since 1991! The less good news is that, according to a recent survey (February 2008) only 25% of EU citizens know about it. Also, although the European Commission is taking legal action against certain Member States, the number would appear still not to be entirely functional in Bulgaria.

Diana Wallis is an active campaigner for the European Emergency Number 112. She is committed to raising awareness of the number, but also to ensuring that 112 calls are appropriately handled. Together with Commissioner Viviane Reding, she opened a joint citizens' event on 3 June 2008, and was given, together with the Commissioner, an award for "Outstanding Political Initiative" by the advisor board of the European Emergency Number Association.

Back in 2007, together with four colleagues from other political groups, she championed a Written Declaration (similar to a Westminster Early Day Motion) which achieved a record number of signatures (530 out of 785).

Earlier in November 2007, during a visit to Washington, Diana established contacts with the Senators, Representatives and NGOs active in the United States and dealing with similar issues, and is making sure that both sides exchange best practices and join forces in initiatives. You can find out about her recent activities here.

Read the Written Declaration which Ms. Wallis sponsored.

The Commission's new page is accessible by clicking on the picture (left). Be sure to check out the "best practices" highlighted there, in addition to much useful information.

Diana Wallis, Commissioner Reding, together with Dr. Demetrios Pyrros