When in danger within the European Union, remember to call the 112 for help

112 is the single emergency telephone number for the European Union. It was established by Council Decision of 29 July 1991 (91/398/EEC) and reinforced through further legislation, namely the directive on the application of open network provision to voice telephony and on universal service for telecommunications in a competitive environment, Directive 98/10/EC.

The relevant legal provisions at European Union level are now incorporated in article 26 of Directive 2002/22/EC known as the Universal Service Directive, which provides for universal service and users' rights relating to electronic communications networks and services.

European citizens in distress situations are able to call the 112 and get through to the emergency services in all Member States. Thus, anyone travelling within the Union has to remember only one number and this guarantees a quicker and more efficient intervention.

Where can you use the 112 number?
All EU member states have reported that the 112 emergency number is now in use.