The Commission has developed a flexible approach to standardisation when identifying new ICT technical specifications.
Under Article 13 of Regulation 1025/2012 on European Standardisation, the Commission can identify ICT technical specifications beyond national, European, or international standards for referencing in public procurement, provided they meet precise requirements. This flexible approach allows the EU to respond to the fast evolution of digital technologies. It also encourages competition, promotes interoperability and innovation, while avoiding lock-in and facilitating the provision of cross-border services.
How are new standards identified?
The Multi-Stakeholder Platform on ICT standardisation (MSP), the Commission's expert advisory group on ICT standardisation, sets up evaluation groups to examine the compliance of technical specifications in the field of ICT (as described in Annex II of Regulation 1025/2012 on European Standardisation). The focus is on standards developed from diverse fora and consortia outside of the formal national, European, or international standards organizations.
Based on the evaluation group's outcomes, the MSP produces an evaluation report for the Commission. The report includes their advice on the possibility of identifying technical specifications that can be referenced in public procurement.
Before taking its decision, the Commission consults either the relevant standard committee or the relevant sectorial experts. Only then, the Commission decides whether or not to identify the ICT technical specification as a 'common technical specification' that can be used by public authorities in their public procurement (in accordance with the Public Procurement Regulations).
What are the technical specifications identified so far?
You can check the List of technical specifications identified and the link to specific Commission Implementing Decisions.
What requirements do new standards have to meet?
'Common technical specifications', are identified in accordance with the requirements set out in Annex II of Regulation 1025/2012 on European Standardisation. These include compliance with WTO principles for standardisation, having market acceptance and being coherent with European standardisation.
The process by which the ICT technical specifications are developed must be open, transparent and based on consensus. The specifications must also meet defined attributes, including maintenance, availability, intellectual property rights licensed on a FRAND basis, relevance, neutrality, stability and quality.
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