Brussels to host global summit on emergency communications: ASTRID User Days and Critical Communications World 2025 join forces at Brussels Expo

Since its creation, ASTRID has provided a secure and reliable network enabling thousands of emergency responders in Belgium to work together efficiently

From 17 to 19 June 2025, Brussels Expo will become the international meeting place for critical communications. Over the course of three days, the ASTRID User Days will join forces with the global trade show Critical Communications World (CCW). Belgium will serve as host country for a congress that brings together professionals from emergency and public safety services, technology companies, policy-makers, and operators from around the world. It is the first time this edition of CCW will take place in Belgium — a clear sign of international confidence in Belgian expertise on mission-critical communications.

The event is organised in collaboration with TCCA (The Critical Communications Association) and ASTRID, the Belgian public authority responsible for secure communications between police, fire brigades, emergency medical services, Civil Protection and other safety stakeholders.

ASTRID: over 25 years of secure communications for emergency services

Since its creation, ASTRID has provided a secure and reliable network enabling thousands of emergency responders in Belgium to work together efficiently. Through its dedicated TETRA network and services such as Blue Light Mobile and paging, ASTRID plays a crucial role in supporting interventions and disaster response. The ASTRID User Days have traditionally been a key gathering point for users, suppliers, and public authorities.

ASTRID is now looking firmly towards the future. As part of its Next Generation Communication programme, the organisation is working on a gradual transition to a 5G-compatible broadband network. This evolution will enable public safety and emergency services to integrate high-quality video, data and real-time situational awareness alongside voice communications.

“Critical communications do not stop at national borders. By bringing this event to Brussels, we offer our users, partners and international colleagues the opportunity to share insights, discover new technologies, and build the communication networks of tomorrow.”

— Salvator Vella, CEO of ASTRID

High-level speakers open the event on 17 June

The plenary opening session on Tuesday 17 June (11:00–12:30 in Theatre A) marks the official start of the congress. The session will feature high-level international speakers, including:

Bernard Quintin, Minister of the Interior – Belgium Salvator Vella, CEO – ASTRID
Mladen Vratonjić, Chair of the Board – TCCA

13 Juni 2025

Kevin Graham, CEO – TCCA
Tero Pesonen, Vice-Chair TCCA and Chair of the Critical Communications Broadband Group Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President, European Commission – via video message

The programme also includes a panel discussion on the EUCCS project (European Union Common Communication System), aimed at creating a secure, cross-border, and resilient broadband network for emergency services across Europe. Panellists include:

• Olivier Onidi, Deputy Director-General, DG HOME, European Commission
• Jeroen de Graaf, Director of Mission Critical Communications – Dutch government 
• Magnus Packendorff, Head of Mission Critical Networks – Ericsson
• Salvator Vella, CEO – ASTRID

International cooperation as a lever for public safety

CCW 2025 will provide attendees from Europe, Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and North and South America with a unique opportunity to exchange ideas on interoperability, network transformation, 5G, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in the context of public safety. Vendors of critical communication solutions will also showcase their latest innovations.

Attendees will have free access to the full exhibition and a wide range of sessions. Pre-registration is required.