Real-time text for emergency notifications to be deployed by June 2027

The Government asks the President of the Republic to sign the 24 October amendment of enforcement clause of the Act on Emergency Response Centre Operations into law. This amendment extends the transition period for implementing an emergency notification system that is capable of real-time text. The new system for emergency notifications must be implemented by 28 June 2027.

In 2023, amendments were made to the Act on Emergency Response Centre Operations to enact regulations in the European Accessibility Act. Accessibility of the emergency number requires that the emergency response service must be available through conversation or real-time text. The option of using real time text to place an emergency call is intended especially for people with hearing or speech impairments who have previously relied on emergency text messages.

It has proven to take longer than expected to implement the accessibility requirements. This amendment provides an extension to the Emergency Response Centre to implement a system capable of real-time text. The Act is expected to enter into force on 1 December 2025

Emergency notifications are still accepted through text messages, and the service no longer requires registration.

Enquiries: 
Linda Viitala, Senior Adviser, tel. +358 295 488 299, [email protected]