The European Parliament adopted today a Written Declaration requesting an evaluation of the quality of the operation of "112", the little known European emergency number. This declaration was championed by a cross-party coalition led by Vice President of the European Parliament Diana Wallis (UK, Lib Dem). The Declaration, obtained the largest number of signatures ever to have been attained (512 members out of a total of 785) for such an initiative. 

"I'm delighted that this declaration has received such a substantial backing from the European Parliament.  It is clearly an important matter affecting all European citizens equally. It is essential for all of our citizens to know this emergency number, already in operation in all 27 Member States and to benefit from an efficient response." said Diana Wallis.

Despite legislation going back 16 years and several problem areas already identified, the European Commission has only published one implementation document, which contained some inaccuracies. 

"We are calling on the European Commission to create a European day to promote awareness of "112" (on 11 February), and to proceed without delay to an evaluation of all 112 services in Europe.  So far only Portugal, currently holding the EU Presidency, has made such an evaluation. I hope that it will show leadership and encourage the other Member States to follow."

For a copy of the Declaration click here: The Declaration as adopted
 
Only Written Declarations obtaining support from an absolute majority of the Parliament's members are formally approved. In practice, this is very rare, with only two such declarations succeeding this year.