Labour MEP Louis Grech has asked the European Commission for an update on the inquiry into how the European emergency service 112 is run in Malta.

Various shortcomings in the service were revealed in 2009 and the Maltese authorities had vowed to rectify the problems and submit the necessary clarifications to the EU.

In a parliamentary question, Mr Grech said the European Commission had set a deadline for February 2010, after which it could decide on whether or not to open infringement proceedings. But no information has since been forthcoming.

Out of the seven EU countries, which use this number as their “sole emergency number”, the Maltese are statistically the least informed about the service. According to a 2010 Eurobarometer survey, only 42 per cent of Maltese respondents had thought of using it, Mr Grech added.

The Sunday Times had revealed that one in three emergency calls remained unanswered, prompting Mr Grech and Nationalist Party MEP Simon Busuttil to call on the Commission to look into the police-run service.

“The Commission had stated that depending on the information furnished by the Maltese authorities, it would decide on the next course of action, including infringement proceedings if necessary, to guarantee that the provisions of 112 service in Malta fully complies with the requirements of the EU Regulatory Framework.”

Mr Grech asked: “Is the Commission satisfied with Malta’s report? Has the situation improved in the past year? Have the Maltese authorities made the necessary changes to improve the quality and functioning of the service of the 112 emergency number?”

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

The reply is expected in the coming weeks.

On Friday, Europe marks the official Emergency Number 112 Day but the local police have not yet announced any planned activities.