Brussels ‘watching’ progress on 112 emergency line

The European Commission is “closely watching” the efforts of the Maltese authorities to improve their running of the 112 emergency phone line.

Replying to a parliamentary question by Labour MEP Louis Grech, who called for an update on the inquiry that was launched in 2009, the Commission said it was analysing the clarifications provided by the Maltese authorities.

Two years ago, The Sunday Times revealed that one in three emergency calls remained unanswered, prompting Brussels to launch an inquiry and threaten infingement procedures.

But the Commission’s response to Mr Grech’s questions seems to signal a softer approach, where it is verifying the effectiveness of the measures being implemented such as an increase in the human resources and telephone lines avaiable, as well as a new software system.

The Commission also pointed out that the Maltese have become more aware of the emergency number over the past year. A recent survey showed that 56 per cent were aware of the national number, an increase of 14 percentage points.

“However, despite recent initiatives to increase public promotion, the result is still by far the worst among the countries which have 112 as their primary emergency number.”

Only 20 per cent of the Maltese know that 112 is the emergency number used around Europe – well below the EU average of 26 per cent.

“In the light of the slow progress being registered in a number of member states, the Commission is currently evaluating whether the Maltese authorities are satisfied with their obligation to adequately inform their citizens of the existence and use of 112.”

Both Mr Grech and Nationalist Party MEP Simon Busuttil had called on the Commission to look into the police-run service. Mr Grech had asked whether the Commission was satisfied with Malta’s clarification report and whether the situation had improved over the past year.

He also questioned whether the Maltese authorities had stepped up their efforts to create more citizen awareness of the service.