Can't stop the music: Airbus solutions keep Eurovision and other major events safe

Communication is the cornerstone of public safety. In Sweden, the Rakel network serves this purpose. Supported by Airbus, security forces rely on it to secure major events such as the Eurovision Song Contest. 

Foresight is better than hindsight: this would be a fitting motto for the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB). When it comes to public safety, they are always close at hand. For more than 20 years, the MSB’s mission has been to prevent crises and optimise their preparation for unexpected incidents.

The MSB also stands ready when major events are held in Sweden. The Agency is in the wings of sporting, cultural and political events, helping to prepare and providing valuable support when the show goes on. Susanne Felin is one of these supporters. As Service Delivery Manager, she is responsible for the Rakel secure communication network. She confirms, “A successful event depends on the ability of security forces to communicate effectively.”

Cooperation is key

Ensuring the safety of every person attending a major event is a meticulous process that begins long before the event itself. “We typically differentiate between three phases: pre-planning, operational management, and post-event evaluation,” explains Felin. The sheer scale of the task makes it a very challenging undertaking. So many different stakeholders are involved, that a successful event depends on teamwork and effective collaboration. 

Among others, the Swedish Ambulance service relies on the secure communication solution, Rakel.

Communication is a key facilitator. “In the planning phase, we run through different scenarios to optimise preparation,” says Felin. By discussing potential problems and defining roles and responsibilities, teams foster mutual understanding and develop both proactive and reactive approaches. In the operational phase, communication is key to adapting to changing situations. “You can prepare as much as you like, but quick reactions depend on constant communication,” says Felin. 

A reliable system for critical communication

Rakel, an encrypted network for critical communication, is a key part of Sweden’s public safety infrastructure. Owned and operated by the Swedish government, the TETRA-based system was initially deployed by Airbus. The Company is also responsible for its continued maintenance and development. 

Rakel enables the secure and efficient exchange of information among services responsible for public order, security, health and defence. “It strengthens the ability of organisations to work together,” says Felin. “The bottom line is a secure and robust system.” Encryption prevents eavesdropping and unauthorised access, while redundancies ensure the infrastructure withstands severe weather conditions and prolonged power outages. “Rakel is designed to work even if other systems, such as mobile telephony and the Internet, are disrupted.”

Rakel is widely used in Sweden. “We have over 650 user organisations,” Felin explains. Approximately 190,000 calls are made every day, and Rakel’s coverage reaches 99.84% of the Swedish population, covering 95% of Sweden’s total area.

The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest, held in Malmö, put high demands on security forces.

Rakel in practice: securing a major event

What role does Rakel play in securing major events? The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Malmö is an example. For several days, the city attracted the attention of music fans worldwide. It drew a vast international audience, with tens of thousands of visitors from 90 countries and 1,100 accredited journalists. An additional 163 million people followed the event on TV.

A high level of security is vital for such an event and Rakel played a key role, maintaining seamless communication between everyone involved. The security task force included security officers, while communication experts and other relevant stakeholders bolstered the effort. This broader perspective shed light on the varying needs and challenges. 

In the spirit of Nordic cooperation, the Swedish police were assisted by the Danish and Norwegian police and Europol. Thanks to interfaces with Rakel, the Swedish security forces were able to communicate easily with these supporting forces to coordinate and maintain a comprehensive overview. As a result, disturbances and emergencies could be handled efficiently. 

“The Eurovision Song Contest went very smoothly overall,” says Felin. “Every event has its peculiarities. This one was particularly challenging because it lasted over a longer period of time.” In this highly demanding setting, Rakel proved to be a crucial element. “The flawless execution of this event is also a huge testament to the capabilities of our communication systems.”

Airbus solutions for mission-critical communication are also used in Switzerland, where the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be held.