Narrowband  |   Broadband  |  2026-10-09

The EU Critical Communication System Under Review: Resilience Intergroup Holds Exchange of Views with PSCE

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Discussion follows the European Commission’s 30 September proposal, with three questions on civil-military interoperability, funding and timeline set to enter the legislative debate.

The Intergroup on Resilience, Disaster Management and Civil Protection (RCPDM) has held an exchange of views with Public Safety Communication Europe (PSCE) on the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS), which the European Commission proposed on 30 September. Marie-Christine Bonnamour, Secretary General of PSCE, and David Lund, coordinator of the EUCCS Preparation programme, presented their expertise to the Intergroup’s Members.

RCPDM is a cross-party initiative within the European Parliament. It fosters strategic dialogue on civil protection and preparedness, with a stated mission of a safer, stronger and more prepared Europe.

According to the Intergroup, the proposal moves from narrowband radio to broadband, bringing voice, video, photos, messages and real-time geolocation together on a single secure device. It also provides for interoperability across services and across borders, with national systems connected at EU level. Further elements include connectivity that holds when networks fail, with EU satellites as back-up, and security by design against cyberattacks, together with priority access for first responders. The proposal additionally targets European technological sovereignty, while governance remains with the Member States.

The Intergroup noted that the groundwork is already in place. Since November 2024, Airbus, Frequentis, Leonardo and Teltronic have been running interconnected pilot platforms under the EUCCS Preparation programme. It added that Europe also has manufacturers able to equip responders in the field, citing Crosscall of Aix-en-Provence, which designs rugged smartphones and push-to-talk devices for public safety professionals.

Members of the Intergroup raised three questions that they intend to take into the legislative debate. The first concerns how civilian and military communication systems will work together. The second concerns how the system will be funded, and how less advanced Member States will be supported. The third concerns whether the transition timeline, starting in 2030, is realistic for every Member State.

The European Parliament and the Council must now adopt the regulation. The Intergroup stated its position that the regulation must be ambitious, properly funded and built for the people on the ground.