1. What is number 112? What is it for?

2. Why has number 112 been introduced in the European Union?

3. Does number 112 exist and work everywhere in the European Union?

4. In what language am I addressed when dialling number 112?

5. Is number 112 a free number?

6. What is the advantage of calling the number 112 instead of the local emergency call number?

7. What does the following message on the screen of my mobile phone mean : "network not available - emergency number only"?

8. Can I use the 112 in Belgium as well?

1. What is number 112 ? What is it for?

Number 112 is a European emergency call number you can dial in the 27 Member States of the European Union in case of an accident, an assault or in any other distress situation.

As a reminder, the 27 Member States of the Union are : Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, the United Kingdom, Romania and Bulgaria.

2. Why has number 112 been introduced in the European Union?

The Council of the European Union has taken this decision to avoid that everyone travelling across the European Union has to remember the specific emergency call numbers of each European country.

3. Does number 112 exist and work everywhere in the European Union?

Yes.

4. In what language am I addressed when dialling number 112?

Normally, you use the language of the country where you are. However, the operators who receive your call, are generally able to answer in English.

5. Is number 112 a free number?

Yes.

6. What is the advantage of calling the number 112 instead of the local emergency call number?

The emergency call number 112 is easy to remember and you do not need to know the local emergency number, which often varies according to the nature of the call (police, ambulance or fire brigade).

7. What does the following message on the screen of my mobile phone mean : "network not available - emergency number only"?

This message appears on the screen in case of disturbances on the mobile network which make the phone impossible to use. Even if this happens, you can still make an emergency call with your mobile phone in distress situations or if you witness an assault or an accident.

This message does not mean that you have to dial the 112 when the network or your mobile doesn't work. If you do so, you seriously disturb the running of the emergency centres and you prevent that the necessary assistance is provided to those who need it.

8. Can I use the 112 in Belgium as well?

Currently the 112 calls are treated by the help centers 100. In case of an accident, a mailaise or a fire you can call 112. In case of an assault or another urgent call to the police it is better to immediately dial the emergency call number 101.