No One Left Behind: Accessible Emergency Communication and Social Sustainability in the European Union

Abstract

Accessible emergency communication is essential for inclusive and socially sustainable crisis response in the European Union. While emergency number 112 is intended to serve everyone, access remains uneven, particularly for people with disabilities and others facing communication barriers in emergency situations. This paper explores accessible emergency communication as a core public service capability rather than a technical add-on. It asks how accessibility contributes to social sustainability and inclusive crisis resilience across the EU. The analysis is grounded in public administration and crisis governance perspectives, where equity, trust, and institutional responsibility are central concerns. The study uses a qualitative, policy-oriented approach. A PRISMA-informed synthesis of academic research, EU policy documents, and institutional reports is conducted. The analysis identifies four interconnected dimensions: accessible communication, public service governance, crisis resilience, and disability inclusion. The findings show that accessibility is often addressed reactively and inconsistently, limiting the social sustainability of emergency systems. The paper argues that treating accessibility as a structural governance responsibility is essential to ensure that no one is left behind when emergencies occur.

Keywords: emergency communication accessibility; social sustainability; disability inclusion; public services; inclusive resilience