Public Safety Communications – Europe (PSCE) and the Australian Radio and Communications Industry Association (ARCIA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sharing of information regarding the development and use of wireless and associated communications technologies by Public Safety Agencies (or in the Public Safety sector).

The two organisations will have the ability to exchange information on common issues in the global wireless industry, with the underlying aim to share information that delivers products and services crucial to the safety and quality of life of people and communities.

The British Standardisation Institute is going to officially launch the PD CEN/TS 17091 European technical specification for crisis management on 11th of December at a dedicated event in London. This instrument consists of practice guidance on preparing for, anticipating, responding and recovering from crises and it’s aimed at organisations that implement crisis plans and structures and which maintain and assure procedures associated with Crisis Management capabilities.

As stated by Patricia Compard of the European Standardization Committee at the 12th meeting of the Community of Users on Secure, Safe, Resillient Societies, CEN/TS 17091 is a relevant standard to decision makers in the fields of resilience, risk, business continuity, crisis and emergency management and it’s relevant to any kind or size of organisation.

Find out more about this event here.

The topic of standardisation governance was one of the major protagonists at the 12th Meeting of the Community of Users on Secure, Safe, Resilient Societies, which was held in Brussels on 3-4 December.

Three panels were featured on the topic, dedicated to standardisation for security and crisis management, pre-normative research and foresight studies, and coordination needs.

Speakers addressed the needs and added value of standards when it comes to crisis management and resilience operations, with examples of how H2020 projects are including standardisation at a greater level. Feedback from stakeholders at all levels was also mentioned, with the greater importance of standardisation arising from consultations with practitioners, providers and experts.

Patricia Compard, chair of CEN TC 391 (Societal and Citizen Security), stressed how standards can achieve technical compatibility of material and interoperability of systems, as well as more cost-effective outcomes for end users and suppliers. Philippe Quevauviller of the European Commission pointed out that standards need to match the needs of practitioners and that events like the Community of Users are fundamental to understand the needs of the community.

The European Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy committee (ITRE) voted today on eight reports related to the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) for the period 2021-2027, thus setting out ITRE’s priorities when it comes to funding towards research, defence, space and the Digital Europe programme.

Within the reports approved today, there are significant increases in financing in key areas of European research and innovation:

• Horizon Europe – research:
  • Increase the Horizon Europe research programme budget to €120 billion instead of the €83.5 billion proposed by the Commission
  • Increase support for SMEs by reintroducing the possibility of grants for incremental innovation (budget of €2.5 billion)
  • Introduce innovative measures, such as widening fellowships, to strengthen European Research Areas
  • Prioritize programmes that include women, SMEs or participants from lower-performing EU countries when deciding on two equally strong applications

• European Defence Fund (EDF):
  • ITRE voted in favour of the European Commission’s proposal to allocate €11.5 billion to the EDF for the period of 2021-2027, stressing the need for a European approach to defence. This will finance cross-border collaboration in defence research and development projects for interoperable technology and equipment in areas such as encrypted software and drone technology

• The EU Space Programme:
  • ITRE voted in favour of raising the European Commission’s proposed EU Space Programme budget by an additional €621 million, raising the total to €14.82 billion in the 2021-2027 period, which is expected to give the EU industry an important boost in this sector

• The Digital Europe programme:
  • ITRE voted in favour of the European Commission’s proposal to create the first ever Digital Europe programme and will invest €8.2 billion under the EU budget 2021-2027 to address increasing digital challenges. This will also be vital to support high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and advanced digital skills.

The Plenary will now vote on the decision to start talks with EU ministers, which can begin, once a common position is agreed. MEPs want to make as much progress as possible before the end of this legislative term.

Members of the ITRE committee underlined that they are ready to start negotiations with EU ministers at any time to reach an agreement before the European elections. The European Parliament plenary will now vote on the decision to start talks with EU ministers, which can begin, once a common position is agreed. MEPs want to make as much progress as possible before the end of this legislative term.

The ITRE press release can be found here.