It emerges that most Europeans are still unsure about which number they should call in case of emergency in a foreign country.

According to a ‘Eurobarometer’ survey conducted at the end of January 2014, 49% of Europeans do not know they can use ‘112’ to reach emergency services. Despite years of efforts, ignorance levels remain stuck at around 50%, including for regular travellers.

The citizens most at risk are those from Greece with only 10% awareness and the United Kingdom (18%). The most aware are those in Luxembourg (80%), Romania (71%), Poland and Bulgaria (70%).

European Commission Vice-President Neelie Kroes has written to all national governments to urge them to improve caller location and disabled access features of national 112 systems, and to run advertising campaigns targeted at travellers.

Neelie Kroes said: "I am worried that citizens are ignorant of an important basic service, and that national governments are not doing more to make them aware. The EU has made the service available, now others must also take their responsibility.”

112 is reachable from fixed and mobile phones, free of charge, everywhere in the EU. 112 links the caller to the relevant emergency service (local police, fire brigade, medical service) in a choice of European languages. It is available 24 hours / seven days a week.