The text which contains the political agreement on the draft decision establishing the first radio spectrum policy programme 2012-2015 has been endorsed by the Permanent Representatives Committee of the Council. The document has been negotiated in trialogue meetings between the Polish presidency, the European Parliament and the European Commission.

The first radio spectrum policy programme is closer to became a reality. The text recently endorsed by the Permanent Representatives Committee of the Council on the draft decision on the radio spectrum policy programme, was negotiated in trialogue meetings between the Polish presidency, the European Parliament and the European Commission. It also came following the organisation of consultation among stakeholders. Once it has also been endorsed by the ITRE Committee of the European Parliament, the Council will be able to adopt its position at first reading, which is expected to be confirmed by the Parliament.

The programme aims is to set out policy orientations and objectives for the strategic planning and harmonisation of spectrum use in order to ensure the functioning of the internal market. It covers all EU policy areas involving the use of spectrum such as electronic communications, research, technological development and space, transport, energy and audio-visual. In particular, among other things, it seeks to allocate sufficient and appropriate spectrum in a timely manner to support EU policy objectives and bridge the digital divide and contribute to the objectives of the Digital Agenda for Europe.

The decision provides for the establishing of an inventory of existing uses of spectrum for commercial and public purposes. It will be administered by the Commission, which by July 2013 will adopt relevant implementing acts to develop modalities and formats for the collection and provision of data by the Member States.