M/358 - Field of ICT

Purpose

This mandate concerns the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It aims to facilitate the development of harmonised standards to support interoperability, security, and innovation within the ICT sector. The objective is to enable the European Union to maintain a competitive edge in ICT technologies while ensuring compatibility across Member States.

Standardisation request

The mandate requests that the three main European Standardisation Organisations-CEN (European Committee for Standardization), CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization), and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute)-collaborate to develop and harmonise standards in the ICT domain. The focus is on addressing key ICT challenges, promoting common technical specifications, and supporting regulatory frameworks where applicable.

Expected deliverables

The deliverables envisioned under this mandate include a suite of European standards and technical specifications that enhance ICT interoperability, security protocols, and service quality. These standards are expected to cover a broad range of ICT aspects, potentially including software, telecommunications, data management, cybersecurity, and other critical ICT infrastructures. The final outputs should foster cross-border ICT integration and support EU policies.

Context

This mandate reflects the EU’s strategic emphasis on strengthening the ICT sector through standardisation. By tasking CEN, CENELEC, and ETSI with coordinated standard development, the EU seeks to streamline technical compatibility and stimulate innovation within the internal market. This initiative aligns with broader digital transformation goals and the need to build resilient, secure digital infrastructure across Member States.