Broadband  |  2024-12-07

PSCE Winter Conference 2024: Pioneering Critical Communication Innovations in Europe

Source: The Critical Communications Review | Gert Jan Wolf editor

Public Safety Communication Europe (PSCE) winter conference concludes with groundbreaking insights and collaboration.

The Public Safety Communication Europe (PSCE) Winter Conference, held in Brussels on 4 and 5 December,  concluded with resounding success, gathering industry leaders, policymakers, and technology innovators to discuss the future of critical communications in Europe. This two-day event spotlighted key initiatives shaping the next generation of public safety communication systems, fostering collaboration across borders and industries.

Strengthening Europe’s Critical Communication Systems

One of the most significant announcements at the conference was the signing of contracts under the European Commission’s EUCCS Preparation program, previously known as BroadEUNet. The program, involving four leading MCX service providers—Airbus, Frequentis, Leonardo, and Teltronic—marks the foundation of the European Critical Communication System (EUCCS). Initially, eight EU member states (France, Greece, Netherlands, Sweden, Finland, Ireland, Belgium, and Italy) will participate in building operational MCX-MCX systems in 2025-2026, with full EUCCS deployment planned for 2030.

As a member of the Frequentis consortium, Nemergent Solutions proudly participated as an MCX technology provider, contributing to this transformative initiative. The event also underscored the collaborative nature of Europe’s approach to public safety, emphasizing the need for interoperable systems and cross-border operational mobility.

Opening Remarks and Pitch Elevator Session

PSCE President David Lund and Secretary General Marie-Christine Bonnamour inaugurated the conference, emphasizing the need for innovation and collaboration in public safety.

The opening pitch elevator session showcased five cutting-edge projects:

  • EITHOS EU Project (Presented by Marie-Christine Bonnamour):
    Developing an Identity Theft Observatory System to combat online identity theft through targeted campaigns and innovative tools, empowering citizens, law enforcement, and policymakers.
  • SILVANUS Project (Presented by Alexandros Giordanis, Hellenic Rescue Team):
    Aiming to prevent extreme wildfires by integrating sustainable forest management methodologies with high stakeholder engagement.
  • MEDiate Project (Presented by Régis Decorme, R2M Solution France):
    A decision support system for disaster risk management addressing multi-hazard and cascading risks with a people-centric, resilience-informed approach.
  • EFFECT Project (Presented by Salvatore Marchese, Webgenesys):
    Leveraging 5G technology for the early detection and management of fires, forming a crucial part of the FIDAL Project framework.
  • SwarmCatcher Project:
    Deploying advanced anti-drone surveillance infrastructure using AI and 5G to integrate optical, thermal, and RF sensors for real-time threat detection.

Key Discussions and Presentations

The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers who shared insights on innovations, lessons learned, and future visions for public safety communication:

  • Michel Duits - Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection - DSB: Duits reflected on a decade of cross-border communication advancements, highlighting the role of ETSI TETRA standards and initiatives like ISITEP. He emphasized the need to integrate broadband systems into cross-border setups from the outset to ensure seamless collaboration.
  • Fredrik Ryberg - (Swedish Police Authority): Ryberg, playing a key rol in Sweden’s transition to broadband critical communications, presented Rakel G2, the country’s next-generation communication system. He emphasized the importance of standard operating procedures and user-centric design for the system’s success.
  • Christopher Topping (European Space Agency - ESA): Topping introduced the ESA Civil Security Space Programme, emphasizing the critical role of satellite communications and Earth Observation in delivering actionable information during crises. He highlighted the program's goal of enabling real-time access to data for preventive, reactive, and recovery efforts in disaster management.
  • Seliman Niakate and Sébastien d'Antuono (Starion): The duo unveiled the SAFEPLACE Project, an innovative platform enhancing crisis management through IoT, satellite communication, and AI technologies. SAFEPLACE bridges the gap between first responders and crisis managers, delivering near-real-time data for effective decision-making during emergencies.

Collaborative Workshops and Innovations

The conference also featured workshops exploring groundbreaking projects such as the FIDAL Project and MC_SEAL Initiative, presented in collaboration with Nuuk Technologies. These initiatives demonstrate Europe’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technologies, such as IoT and AI, into mission-critical environments.

Building Momentum for the Future

Charlotte Roesener chaired sessions addressing the evolution of civil security through space-based solutions and the future of cross-border communications. The sessions underscored Europe’s focus on resilience and preparedness in the face of evolving challenges, from natural disasters to geopolitical crises.

The event culminated with a team photo featuring EUCCS Preparation members proudly displaying their program T-shirts, symbolizing the collaborative spirit driving Europe’s public safety advancements.

Looking Ahead

As the PSCE Winter Conference demonstrated, Europe is at the forefront of critical communication innovation. Through initiatives like EUCCS Preparation, the continent is laying the groundwork for a safer, more connected future.

The conference served as a powerful reminder of the collective commitment needed to achieve these ambitious goals by 2030.