4.5.2016 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 118/4 COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION (EU) 2016/687 of 28 April 2016 on the harmonisation of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services and for flexible national use in the Union (notified under document C(2016) 2268) (Text with EEA relevance) THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION, Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, Having regard to Decision No 676/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European Community (the Radio Spectrum Decision) (1), and in particular Article 4(3) thereof, Whereas: (1) In the multiannual radio spectrum policy programme (RSPP) adopted by Decision No 243/2012/EU (2), the European Parliament and the Council set the policy objective to identify at least 1 200 MHz of suitable spectrum to meet the increasing demand for wireless data traffic in the Union by 2015 (3). Furthermore, the RSPP empowered the Commission and the Member States in cooperation, to ensure spectrum availability for programme making and special events (PMSE) (4), for the development of safety services and the free circulation of related devices as well as the development of innovative interoperable solutions for public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) (5), and for the ‘Internet of Things’ (IoT) (6). The Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) has adopted a report on strategic sectoral spectrum needs, which addresses, inter alia, the spectrum needs for PPDR, PMSE and the IoT (7). (2) Spectrum in the 694-790 MHz frequency band (hereinafter ‘700 MHz frequency band’) is a valuable asset for deploying cost-efficient terrestrial wireless networks with high capacity and ubiquitous indoor and outdoor coverage. The Radio Regulations of the International Telecommunication Union contain allocations of the 700 MHz frequency band to the broadcasting and mobile (except aeronautical mobile) service on a co-primary basis and identifications of this band for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT). This frequency band is currently used across the Union for digital terrestrial television (DTT) and wireless audio PMSE equipment. (3) The Commission's strategy for the Digital Single Market (8) highlights the importance of the 700 MHz frequency band for ensuring the provision of broadband services in rural areas and stresses the need for a coordinated release of that frequency band, while accommodating the specific needs of audiovisual media distribution, in order to encourage investment in high-speed broadband networks and facilitate the proliferation of advanced digital services. (4) In its opinion on long-term strategy for the 470-790 MHz frequency band (9), the RSPG recommends a coordinated approach for repurposing the 700 MHz frequency band for wireless broadband electronic communications services including making this band available under harmonised technical conditions across the Union. (5) On 11 March 2013, pursuant to Article 4(2) of the Radio Spectrum Decision, the Commission issued to the European Conference of Postal and Telecommunications Administrations (CEPT) a mandate to develop harmonised technical conditions for the 700 MHz frequency band in the Union for the provision of wireless broadband electronic communications services and other uses in support of the Union's spectrum policy priorities. (6) On 28 November 2014 and 1 March 2016, in response to that mandate, CEPT issued its Reports 53 (10) and 60 (11). They provide the basis for technical harmonisation of the 700 MHz frequency band for terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services, which allows for economies of scale for equipment in line with international developments in this band. (7) CEPT Reports 53 and 60 also present options for using portions of the 700 MHz frequency band (the so-called duplex gap and/or guard bands), which can be decided by a Member State (‘national options’). One national option is supplemental downlink (SDL) which represents downlink-only (i.e. unidirectional) base station transmission for the provision of terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services, thereby addressing the problem of data traffic asymmetry by enhancing the downlink capability of such services. Other national options are PPDR, PMSE and M2M communications based on terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services. (8) Harmonised technical conditions would ensure take-up of the 700 MHz frequency band for high-speed terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services and other uses in line with spectrum policy priorities at Union level; they would foster the single market, mitigate harmful interference and facilitate frequency coordination. (9) The 700 MHz frequency band should therefore be used for the provision of terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services based on a harmonised channelling arrangement (‘core arrangement’) and related common least restrictive technical conditions, whenever Member States designate it for use other than by high-power broadcasting networks. Member States may exceptionally and on an interim basis use for DTT services portions of the 700 MHz frequency band outside the core arrangement in order to facilitate the timely transition from terrestrial television broadcasting in the band, as appropriate in light of national circumstances for example in regard to modifying rights of use of spectrum for DTT services or simulcast arrangements in accordance with agreements between neighbouring Member States on managing cross-border interference risks. (10) Member States should also have the flexibility to use portions of the 700 MHz frequency band in response to specific national needs. Besides terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services, this could also include use in line with the Union's sectoral spectrum policy priorities, in particular for PMSE, PPDR and the IoT and with the aim of ensuring efficient spectrum use. In this regard, the 790-791 MHz frequency band may also be used without prejudice to Commission Decision 2010/267/EU (12). Flexible harmonisation of spectrum availability within the 700 MHz frequency band to address these national needs based on a limited set of national options would help achieve economies of scale for equipment, as well as cross-border coordination, and should be limited to available frequency ranges and, where appropriate, a related duplex method and a channelling arrangement. Member States should decide on the implementation of national options as well as the appropriate combination of national options and organise their coexistence. Use of spectrum for national options should also ensure coexistence with terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services complying with the core arrangement. (11) Terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services and national options in the 700 MHz frequency band should ensure appropriate protection of incumbent terrestrial television broadcasting services and wireless audio PMSE use below 694 MHz in line with their regulatory status. Additional measures may need to be applied at national level to manage mutual interference between wireless broadband electronic communications services and DTT services such as from wireless broadband electronic communications base station transmitters to DTT receivers, or from DTT broadcasting transmitters to wireless broadband electronic communications base station receivers, whereby appropriate mitigation techniques can be applied by mobile operators on a case-by-case basis. (12) While measures under the Radio Spectrum Decision are without prejudice to the rights of Member States to organise and use spectrum for public order and public security purposes (namely PPDR) (13), such use would benefit from a common frequency range in order to ensure free circulation of devices and interoperable services in line with the RSPP policy objective on spectrum availability. Harmonised technical conditions for terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services would also allow, where needed and appropriate within the core arrangement, the deployment of broadband PPDR services that can make use of these technical conditions based on the assumption that the PPDR network has the same co-existence characteristics as terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications networks. When making use of the designation for electronic communications services on a non-exclusive basis, Member States may also deploy PPDR when needed. In this regard, the RSPG Report on strategic sectoral spectrum needs recognises that spectrum needs for broadband PPDR services differ for each Member State and national solutions depend on political decisions, including on the method of conducting missions to ensure public safety and the related role of national authorities or public operators. (13) CEPT Reports 53 and 60 refer to the need for a setup procedure for audio PMSE equipment, in order to ensure interference-free operation for the required quality of service. In order to improve the coexistence between indoor wireless audio PMSE equipment and mobile electronic communications networks using adjacent frequency bands, Member States should encourage, where feasible and necessary, the implementation of interference mitigation solutions such as those referred to in Commission Implementing Decision 2014/641/EU (14). (14) Member States should conclude relevant bilateral cross-border agreements with other Member States and non-EU countries. Such agreements between Member States and non-EU countries may be necessary in relevant parts of Member States' territory to ensure implementation of harmonised parameters, avoidance of harmful interference and improvement of spectrum efficiency. The RSPG Report on the spectrum coordination approach for broadcasting in the case of a reallocation of the 700 MHz band (15) sets out technical conditions and principles for cross-border coordination between terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services and terrestrial television broadcasting, including with non-EU countries. (15) Member States should report to the Commission on the implementation of this Decision and the use of the 700 MHz frequency band, in particular with a view to adapting it to future developments in wireless systems (such as in the context of 5G or the IoT), which may affect its use for terrestrial wireless broadband electronic communications services and national options. This will facilitate assessing its impact at EU level as well as its timely review, if and when necessary. (16) The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with the opinion of the Radio Spectrum Committee, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 This Decision harmonises the technical conditions for the availability and efficient use of the 694-790 MHz (‘700 MHz’) frequency band in the Union for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services. It aims also to facilitate flexible national use in response to specific national needs in accordance with RSPP spectrum policy priorities. The harmonised conditions for the 790-791 MHz frequency band under this Decision shall apply without prejudice to the provisions of Decision 2010/267/EU. Article 2 For the purposes of this Decision the following definitions shall apply: 1. ‘wireless audio PMSE equipment’ means radio equipment used for transmission of analogue or digital audio signals between a limited number of transmitters and receivers, such as radio microphones, in-ear monitor systems or audio links, used mainly for the production of broadcast programmes or private or public social or cultural events; 2. ‘public protection and disaster relief (PPDR) radio communications’ means radio applications used for public safety, security and defence used by national authorities or relevant operators responding to the relevant national needs in regard to public safety and security including in emergency situations; 3. ‘machine-to-machine (M2M) radio communications’ means radio links for the purpose of relaying information between physical or virtual entities that build a complex ecosystem including the internet of Things; such radio links may be realised through electronic communications services (e.g. based on cellular technologies) or other services, based on licensed or unlicensed use of spectrum. Article 3 1. When Member States designate and make available the 700 MHz frequency band for use other than high-power broadcasting networks, they shall: (a) designate and make available the 703-733 MHz and 758-788 MHz frequency bands, on a non-exclusive basis, for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services in compliance with the parameters set out in Sections A.1, B and C of the Annex; (b) subject to national decisions and choice, designate and make available the portions of the 700 MHz frequency band other than those referred to in paragraph 1(a), for use in compliance with the parameters set out in Sections A.2 to A.5 of the Annex. 2. Member States shall facilitate coexistence among different uses referred to in paragraph 1. Article 4 Member States shall ensure that the systems referred to in Article 3(1)(a) and (b) give appropriate protection to existing systems in the adjacent 470-694 MHz band, namely digital terrestrial television broadcasting services and wireless audio PMSE equipment in accordance with their regulatory status. Article 5 Member States shall facilitate cross-border coordination agreements with the aim of enabling operation of the systems referred to in Article 3(1)(a) and, where appropriate, of those referred to in Article 3(1)(b), taking into account existing regulatory procedures and rights as well as relevant international agreements. Article 6 Member States shall monitor the use of the 700 MHz frequency band and report their findings to the Commission upon request or at their own initiative in order to allow timely review of this Decision, as appropriate. Article 7 This Decision is addressed to the Member States. Done at Brussels, 28 April 2016. For the Commission Günther OETTINGER Member of the Commission (1) OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, p. 1. (2) Decision No 243/2012/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 March 2012 establishing a multiannual radio spectrum policy programme (OJ L 81, 21.3.2012, p. 7). (3) Article 3(b), RSPP. (4) Article 8(5), RSPP. (5) Article 8(3), RSPP. (6) Article 8(6), RSPP. (7) Document RSPG13-540rev2. (8) See: http://ec.europa.eu/priorities/digital-single-market/index_en.htm (9) Document RSPG 15-595 final; link: http://rspg-spectrum.eu/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/RSPG15-595_final-RSPG_opinion_UHF.pdf (10) Link to CEPT Report 53: http://www.erodocdb.dk/Docs/doc98/official/pdf/CEPTREP053.PDF (11) Link to CEPT Report 60: http://www.erodocdb.dk/Docs/doc98/official/pdf/CEPTREP060.PDF (12) Commission Decision 2010/267/EU of 6 May 2010 on harmonised technical conditions of use in the 790-862 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the European Union (OJ L 117, 11.5.2010, p. 95). (13) Article 1(4) of the Radio Spectrum Decision. (14) Commission Implementing Decision 2014/641/EU of 1 September 2014 on harmonised technical conditions of radio spectrum use by wireless audio programme making and special events equipment in the Union (OJ L 263, 3.9.2014, p. 29). (15) Document RSPG13-524 rev1; link: https://circabc.europa.eu/d/a/workspace/SpacesStore/614d3daf-76a0-402d-8133-77d2d3dd2518/RSPG13-524%20rev1%20Report_700MHz_reallocation_REV.pdf ANNEX PARAMETERS REFERRED TO IN ARTICLE 3 A. General parameters 1. Pursuant to Article 3(1)(a), within the 703-733 MHz and 758-788 MHz frequency bands, the frequency arrangement shall be as follows: (a) the assigned block sizes shall be in multiples of 5 MHz (1); (b) the mode of operation shall be Frequency Division Duplex (FDD); the duplex spacing shall be 55 MHz with terminal station transmission (FDD uplink) located in the lower frequency band 703-733 MHz and base station transmission (FDD downlink) located in the upper frequency band 758-788 MHz; (c) the lower frequency limit of an assigned block shall be aligned with or spaced at multiples of 5 MHz from the band edge of 703 MHz. Without prejudice to the right of Member States to organise and use their spectrum for public safety and public security purposes and for defence, if PPDR radio communications are implemented, the technical conditions for wireless broadband electronic communications services in this annex should be used. 2. Pursuant to Article 3(1)(b), the frequency arrangement within the 738-758 MHz frequency band for use in full or in part for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services, shall be as follows: (a) the upper band edge of the designated spectrum range shall be either 758 MHz or 753 MHz; the latter is only applicable in conjunction with the frequency arrangement pursuant to Section A.3 starting at 753 MHz; (b) the lower band edge of the designated spectrum range shall start at one of the following: 738 MHz, 743 MHz, 748 MHz or 753 MHz; (c) the mode of operation shall be limited to base station (‘downlink-only’) transmission in accordance with the technical parameters in Section B; (d) the assigned block sizes within the designated spectrum range shall be in multiples of 5 MHz (1); the upper frequency limit of an assigned block shall be aligned with or spaced at multiples of 5 MHz from the upper band edge. 3. Pursuant to Article 3(1)(b), the frequency arrangement within the frequency bands 698-703 MHz, 733-736 MHz, 753-758 MHz and 788-791 MHz for use in full or in part for PPDR radio communications shall be as follows: the mode of operation shall be Frequency Division Duplex; the duplex spacing shall be 55 MHz with terminal station transmission (PPDR uplink) located in one or both of the frequency band 698-703 MHz and 733-736 MHz, and base station transmission (PPDR downlink) located in one or both of the frequency band 753-758 MHz and 788-791 MHz, respectively. The frequency bands 703-733 MHz and 758-788 MHz, or a subset thereof, may also be used for PPDR radio communications. Such use is addressed in Section A.1. 4. Pursuant to Article 3(1)(b), the frequency arrangement within the frequency bands 733-736 MHz and 788-791 MHz for use for M2M radio communications shall be as follows: the mode of operation shall be Frequency Division Duplex; the duplex spacing shall be 55 MHz with terminal station transmission (M2M uplink) located in the 733-736 MHz frequency band and base station transmission (M2M downlink) located in the 788-791 MHz frequency band. 5. Pursuant to Article 3(1)(b), Member States decide on the frequency arrangement within the frequency bands 694-703 MHz and 733-758 MHz for use in full or in part for wireless audio PMSE equipment. In order to improve the coexistence between indoor wireless audio PMSE equipment used within the 694-703 MHz and/or 733-758 MHz frequency bands, and mobile electronic communications networks, Member States shall encourage, where feasible and necessary, the implementation of interference mitigation solutions. B. Technical conditions for base stations for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services within the 738-788 MHz frequency band The following technical parameters for base stations called ‘block edge mask’ (BEM) shall be used in order to ensure coexistence between neighbouring networks and protection of other services and applications in adjacent bands. Less stringent technical parameters, if agreed among the operators or administrations concerned, may also be used provided that these parameters comply with the technical conditions applicable for the protection of other services or applications, including in adjacent bands or subject to cross-border obligations. The BEM (2) is an emission mask that is defined as a function of frequency in relation to a ‘block edge’, the latter being the frequency boundary of a spectrum block for which rights of use are assigned to an operator. The BEM consists of several elements which are defined for certain measurement bandwidths. A ‘band edge’ denotes the frequency boundary of a spectrum range designated for a certain use. BEMs for base stations given below have been developed for equipment used in mobile networks. The same base station BEM applies both for FDD downlink use within the 758-788 MHz frequency band (as defined in Section A.1) and optional downlink-only use within the 738-758 MHz frequency band (as defined in Section A.2). The BEMs serve to protect other spectrum blocks used for electronic communications services (including downlink-only use) as well as other services and applications in adjacent bands. Additional measures which do not constrain economies of scale of equipment may be applied at national level to further facilitate the coexistence of electronic communications services and other uses within the 700 MHz frequency band. The base station BEM consists of in-block and out-of-block power limits. The in-block power limit is applied to a block assigned to an operator. The out-of-block power limits are applied to spectrum within or outside the 700 MHz frequency band, which is outside the block assigned. Table 1 contains the different spectrum elements of the base station BEM, whereby all BEM elements except ‘in-block’ are mapped to out-of-block power limits. Optional in-block power limits are given in Table 2. Out-of-block power limits for different BEM elements are given in Table 3 to Table 8. To obtain a base station BEM for a specific block within the FDD downlink or within the 738-758 MHz frequency band when used for optional downlink-only use, the BEM elements are used as follows: In-block power limit is used for the block assigned to the operator. — Transitional regions are determined, and corresponding power limits are used. The transitional regions may overlap with guard bands, adjacent bands and the duplex gap, in which case transitional power limits are used. — For remaining assigned spectrum which constitutes baseline (as defined in Table 1), baseline power limits are used. — For remaining spectrum in the guard bands (i.e. not covered by transitional regions or not used for PPDR or M2M radio communications), guard band power limits are used. — For spectrum in the 733-758 MHz frequency band not used for downlink-only or PPDR or M2M radio communications, duplex gap power limits apply. Table 1 Definition of BEM elements for blocks pursuant to Sections A.1 and A.2 BEM element Definition In-block Refers to a block for which the BEM is derived. Baseline Spectrum used within the frequency bands 703-733 MHz (i.e. FDD uplink) and 758-788 MHz (i.e. FDD downlink) as well as within the 738-758 MHz frequency band for downlink-only (if applicable), for digital terrestrial television broadcasting below the 694 MHz band edge, for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services above 790 MHz (both uplink and downlink), for PPDR radio communications in the 700 MHz frequency band (both uplink and downlink), and for M2M radio communications in the 700 MHz frequency band (both uplink and downlink). Transitional region Spectrum from 0 to 10 MHz below and from 0 to 10 MHz above the block assigned to an operator; in a frequency range where transitional regions and spectrum used for FDD uplink, PPDR uplink or M2M uplink overlap, transitional power limits do not apply. Guard bands (a) Spectrum between the lower edge of the 700 MHz frequency band and the lower edge of the FDD uplink (i.e. 694-703 MHz); (b) Spectrum between the upper edge of FDD downlink (i.e. 788 MHz) and the lower edge of the FDD downlink according to Decision 2010/267/EU (i.e. 791 MHz). In case of overlap between a transitional region and a guard band, transitional power limits are used. When spectrum is used for PPDR or M2M radio communications, baseline or transitional power limits are used. Duplex gap Spectrum in the 733-758 MHz frequency band. In case of overlap between a transitional region and the part of the duplex gap not used for downlink-only or PPDR radio communications or M2M radio communications, transitional power limits are used. In-block requirements Table 2 Base station in-block power limit Frequency range Maximum mean EIRP (3) Measurement bandwidth Block assigned to the operator Not mandatory. In case an upper bound is desired by an administration, a value may be applied, which does not exceed 64 dBm/5 MHz per antenna. 5 MHz Out-of-block requirements Table 3 Base station baseline power limit Frequency range Bandwidth of protected block Maximum mean EIRP Measurement bandwidth Uplink frequencies in the range 698-736 MHz (4) ≥ 5 MHz – 50 dBm per cell (5) 5 MHz 3 MHz – 52 dBm per cell (5) 3 MHz (4) ≤ 3 MHz – 64 dBm per cell (5) 200 kHz (4) FDD uplink frequencies as defined in Decision 2010/267/EU (i.e. 832-862 MHz) ≥ 5 MHz – 49 dBm per cell (5) 5 MHz Downlink frequencies in the range 738-791 MHz ≥ 5 MHz 16 dBm per antenna 5 MHz 3 MHz 14 dBm per antenna 3 MHz < 3 MHz 2 dBm per antenna 200 kHz FDD downlink frequencies as defined in Decision 2010/267/EU (i.e. 791-821 MHz) ≥ 5 MHz 16 dBm per antenna 5 MHz Table 4 Base station transitional power limits in the range 733-788 MHz Frequency range Maximum mean EIRP Measurement bandwidth – 10 to – 5 MHz from lower block edge 18 dBm per antenna 5 MHz – 5 to 0 MHz from lower block edge 22 dBm per antenna 5 MHz 0 to + 5 MHz from upper block edge 22 dBm per antenna 5 MHz + 5 to + 10 MHz from upper block edge 18 dBm per antenna 5 MHz Table 5 Base station transitional power limits above 788 MHz Frequency range Maximum mean EIRP Measurement bandwidth 788-791 MHz for a block with upper edge at 788 MHz 21 dBm per antenna 3 MHz 788-791 MHz for a block with upper edge at 783 MHz 16 dBm per antenna 3 MHz 788-791 MHz for a block with upper edge at 788 MHz for protection of systems with bandwidth < 3 MHz 11 dBm per antenna 200 kHz 788-791 MHz for a block with upper edge at 783 MHz for protection of systems with bandwidth < 3 MHz 4 dBm per antenna 200 kHz 791-796 MHz for a block with upper edge at 788 MHz 19 dBm per antenna 5 MHz 791-796 MHz for a block with upper edge at 783 MHz 17 dBm per antenna 5 MHz 796-801 MHz for a block with upper edge at 788 MHz 17 dBm per antenna 5 MHz Table 6 Base station power limits for the part of the duplex gap not used for downlink-only or PPDR radio communications or M2M radio communications Frequency range Maximum mean EIRP Measurement bandwidth – 10 to 0 MHz offset from FDD downlink lower band edge or lower edge of the lowest downlink-only block, but above FDD uplink upper band edge 16 dBm per antenna 5 MHz More than 10 MHz offset from FDD downlink lower band edge or lower edge of the lowest downlink-only block, but above FDD uplink upper band edge – 4 dBm per antenna 5 MHz Table 7 Base station power limits for the part of the guard bands not used for PPDR radio communications or M2M radio communications Frequency range Maximum mean EIRP Measurement bandwidth Spectrum between the lower band edge of the 700 MHz frequency band and FDD uplink lower band edge (i.e. 694-703 MHz); – 32 dBm per cell (6) 1 MHz Spectrum between FDD downlink upper band edge and the FDD downlink lower band edge as defined in Decision 2010/267/EU (i.e. 788-791 MHz) 14 dBm per antenna 3 MHz Table 8 Base station baseline power limits for spectrum below 694 MHz Frequency range Maximum mean EIRP Measurement bandwidth Frequencies below 694 MHz where digital terrestrial television broadcasting is protected – 23 dBm per cell (7) 8 MHz C. Technical conditions for terminal stations for electronic communications services within the 703-733 MHz frequency band BEMs for terminal stations given below have been developed for equipment used in mobile networks. The terminal station BEM consists of in-block and out-of-block power limits. The in-block power limit is applied to a block assigned to an operator. The out-of-block power limits are applied to the following spectrum elements: the duplex gap between FDD uplink and FDD downlink (including downlink-only spectrum, if applicable), the guard band between the upper limit of spectrum used for television broadcasting (694 MHz) and FDD uplink (i.e. 694-703 MHz), and spectrum used for television broadcasting (i.e. below 694 MHz). The BEM requirements for terminal stations are given in Table 9 to Table 12 (8). The power limits are specified as equivalent isotropically radiated power (EIRP) for terminal stations designed to be fixed or installed and as total radiated power (TRP) (9) for terminal stations designed to be mobile or nomadic. Administrations may relax the in-block power limit in certain situations, for example fixed terminal stations in rural areas provided that protection of other services, networks and applications is not compromised and cross-border obligations are fulfilled. In-block requirements Table 9 Terminal station in-block power limit Maximum mean power 23 dBm (10) Out-of-block requirements Table 10 Terminal station power limits for the guard band 694-703 MHz Frequency range Maximum mean out-of-block EIRP Measurement bandwidth 694-698 MHz – 7 dBm 4 MHz 698-703 MHz 2 dBm 5 MHz Table 11 (non-mandatory) Terminal station power limits for the duplex gap Frequency range Maximum mean out-of-block EIRP Measurement bandwidth 733-738 MHz 2 dBm 5 MHz 738-753 MHz – 6 dBm 5 MHz 753-758 MHz – 18 dBm 5 MHz Explanatory note to Table 11 The power limits have been derived from the spectrum emission mask specified in clause 4.2.3 of ETSI EN 301 908-13 v6.2.1, which means that LTE-based equipment will comply inherently with the emission limits specified in Table 11. No additional test procedure is required to ensure compliance of such equipment with the power limits specified above. Table 12 Terminal station power limits for frequencies below 694 MHz used for terrestrial broadcasting (unwanted emissions) Frequency range Maximum mean out-of-block power Measurement bandwidth 470-694 MHz – 42 dBm 8 MHz Explanatory notes to Table 12 (1) The derivation of the unwanted emissions limit is based on DTT broadcasting using DVB-T2 and a WBB system with a bandwidth of 10 MHz for a centre frequency separation between DTT broadcasting and WBB of 18 MHz (assuming an 8 MHz TV channel, 9 MHz guard band and a WBB system bandwidth of 10 MHz). If Member States wish to allow the deployment of WBB systems on a national basis with a bandwidth greater than 10 MHz and in case unwanted out-of-block power higher than – 42 dBm/8 MHz is generated in the band below 694 MHz, they should consider: (a) either implementing the greater WBB system bandwidth starting at a frequency higher than 703 MHz so that the required limit of out-of-block power is still met; (b) and/or applying mitigation techniques according to note 3. (2) The value of the unwanted out-of-block emissions limit is derived with regard to fixed DTT reception. Member States who wish to consider portable-indoor DTT reception may need, on a case-by-case basis, to implement further measures at a national/local level (see note 3). (3) Examples of potential mitigation techniques which may be considered by Member States include using additional DTT filtering, reducing the in-block power of the terminal station, reducing the bandwidth of the terminal station transmissions, or using techniques contained in the non-exhaustive list of potential mitigation techniques given in CEPT Report 30. (4) Additional considerations on coexistence between WBB systems and DTT broadcasting: in order to mitigate DTT receiver blocking caused by base station transmission, additional external filtering could be applied at the input of the DTT receiver chain at national level, in particular to avoid overload saturation in antenna amplifiers; furthermore, interference from broadcasting transmitters to base station receivers, either caused by transmitter in-band power or unwanted emissions, may arise. In such cases, appropriate mitigation techniques may be applied on a case-by-case basis at national level. (1) 5 MHz or more; this does not preclude smaller channel bandwidths within an assigned block. (2) The BEM is based on minimum coupling loss (MCL) analysis and simulations; the BEM elements are defined on a per cell or per antenna basis, depending on the co-existence scenario from which they have been derived. (3) Equivalent Isotropically Radiated Power (EIRP) is the total power radiated in any direction at a single location, independent of any base station configuration. (4) Administrations may select a measurement bandwidth of 3 MHz or 200 kHz for protection of a block size of 3 MHz depending on the national implemented options. (5) In a multi-sector site, the value per ‘cell’ corresponds to the value for one of the sectors. (6) In a multi-sector site, the value per ‘cell’ corresponds to the value for one of the sectors. (7) In a multi-sector site, the value per ‘cell’ corresponds to the value for one of the sectors. (8) Further requirements may be taken into account by ETSI in the harmonised standards. (9) Total radiated power (TRP) is a measure of how much power the antenna actually radiates. The TRP is defined as the integral of the power transmitted in different directions over the entire radiation sphere. (10) This value is subject to a tolerance of up to + 2 dB, to take account of operation under extreme environmental conditions and production spread.

Summary: Frequency bands for electronic communication Frequency bands for electronic communication SUMMARY OF: Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/667 updating relevant technical conditions applicable to the frequency bands 1 920-1 980 MHz and 2 110-2 170 MHz Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/636 amending Decision 2008/477/EC on relevant technical conditions applicable to the 2 500-2 690 MHz frequency band Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/590 amending Decision (EU) 2019/784 on relevant technical conditions applicable to the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/784 on harmonisation of the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services in the Union Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/235 on amending Decision 2008/411/EC as regards an update of relevant technical conditions applicable to the 3400-3800 MHz frequency band Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/661 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/750 on the harmonisation of the 1452-1492 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union as regards its extension in the harmonised 1427-1452 MHz and 1492-1517 MHz frequency bands Decision (EU) 2017/899 on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/191 amending Decision 2010/166/EU, in order to introduce new technologies and frequency bands for mobile communication services on board vessels (MCV services) in the European Union Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/2317 amending Decision 2008/294/EC and Implementing Decision 2013/654/EU, in order to simplify the operation of mobile communications on board aircraft (MCA services) in the Union Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/687 on the harmonisation of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services and for flexible national use in the Union Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/750 on the harmonisation of the 1452-1492 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union Implementing Decision 2014/276/EU on amending Decision 2008/411/EC on the harmonisation of the 3400-3800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community Implementing Decision 2013/654/EU amending Decision 2008/294/EC to include additional access technologies and frequency bands for mobile communications services on aircraft (MCA services) Implementing Decision 2012/688/EU on the harmonisation of the frequency bands 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union Implementing Decision 2011/251/EU amending Decision 2009/766/EC on the harmonisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems capable of providing pan-European electronic communications services in the Community Decision 2010/267/EU on harmonised technical conditions of use in the 790-862 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the European Union Decision 2010/166/EU on harmonised conditions of use of radio spectrum for mobile communication services on board vessels (MCV services) in the European Union Decision 2009/766/EC on the harmonisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems capable of providing pan-European electronic communications services in the Community Decision 2008/477/EC on the harmonisation of the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community Decision 2008/411/EC on the harmonisation of the 3400-3800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community Decision 2008/294/EC on harmonised conditions of spectrum use for the operation of mobile communication services on aircraft (MCA services) in the Community Decision 2006/771/EC on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices Directive 87/372/EEC on the frequency bands to be reserved for the coordinated introduction of public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile communications in the Community WHAT ARE THE AIMS OF THE DIRECTIVE AND THE DECISIONS? Directive 87/372/EEC sets out in general terms the frequency bands to be reserved for a public European cellular digital mobile communications service by 1 January 1991 and calls upon EU countries to make the necessary preparations as quickly as possible. EU legislation, through this series of decisions relating to frequency bands used for electronic communications services and networks, as well as other applications relating to the internal market seeks to harmonise technical allocation and coordinate the authorisation of the use of the radio spectrum. KEY POINTS Directive 87/372/EEC, as amended by Council Directive 2009/114/EC While Council Directive 2009/114 confirmed the allocation of the 900 MHz band for GSM as the system of technical reference in that band, EU countries must make the 880-915 MHz and 925-960 MHz frequency bands (the 900 MHz band) available for GSM and UMTS systems, as well as other terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services that can coexist with GSM systems, in accordance with radio spectrum policy in the EU. EU bandwidth decisions EU legislation relating to bands used for electronic communications services and networks can be divided into those seeking to harmonise technical allocation and those coordinating the authorisation of the use of the spectrum. Flexibility is achieved through authorisations that are as technology and service-neutral as possible so that radio spectrum users may choose the best technologies and services to apply in the spectrum bands declared available for electronic communications services in the relevant national frequency allocation plans. Restrictions to the principles of technology and service neutrality apply only in a limited number of cases, in particular where it is necessary to avoid harmful interference, to protect public health, to ensure an adequate level of technical quality of service or when general interest objectives are at stake. A number of these measures also seek to coordinate the timing of the granting, by EU countries granting rights to use harmonised spectrum in relation to electronic communications services and networks. This includes the European Electronic Communications Code which sets general rules for any radio spectrum that has been harmonised pursuant to the radio spectrum decision (Decision 676/2002/EC) and the pioneer bands for 5G very high speed wireless broadband communications (3.6 GHz and 26 GHz bands). This is complemented by a series of other bands in lower frequencies. In the same way, Council Decision 2017/899 set a deadline for the use of the 700 MHz band for 5G mobile communications, while Article 6 of Council Decision 243/2012/EU establishing a multiannual radio spectrum policy programme covered 800 MHz and other harmonised bands (3.6 GHz, 2.6 GHz, 900 and 1800 MHz). The frequency bands harmonised in these decisions are as follows: frequency bands to be reserved for cellular digital land-based mobile communications in the EU;radio spectrum for use by short-range devices;spectrum use for mobile communication services on aircraft (MCA services);the 3400-3800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems;the 2500-2690 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems;the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems;radio spectrum for mobile communication services on board vessels (MCV services);the 790-862 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems;the 1920-1980 MHz and 2110-2170 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems;the 1452-1492 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems and its extension in the 1427-1452 MHz and 1492-1517 MHz frequency bands;the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems;the 470-790 MHz frequency band;the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band for terrestrial systems. FROM WHEN DO THE DIRECTIVE AND THE DECISIONS APPLY? Council Directive 87/372/EEC has applied since 30 June 1987 and had to become law in the EU countries by 1988. Amendments introduced by Council Directive 2009/114/EC had to become law in the EU countries by 9 May 2010. Decision Date of application Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/667 19 May 2020 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/636 12 May 2020 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/590 30 April 2020 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/784 16 May 2019 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/235 26 January 2019 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/661 27 April 2018 Decision (EU) 2017/899 14 June 2017 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/191 2 February 2017 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/2317 19 December 2016 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/687 2 May 2016 Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/750 11 May 2015 Commission Implementing Decision 2014/276/EU 5 May 2014 Commission Implementing Decision 2013/654/EU 13 November 2013 Commission Implementing Decision 2012/688/EU 6 November 2012 Commission Implementing Decision 2011/251/EU 19 April 2011 Commission Decision 2010/267/EU 11 May 2010 Commission Decision 2010/166/EU 20 March 2010 Commission Decision 2009/766/EC 19 October 2009 Commission Decision 2008/477/EC 13 June 2008 Commission Decision 2008/411/EC 21 May 2008 Commission Decision 2008/294/EC 7 April 2008 Commission Decision 2006/771/EC 9 November 2006 BACKGROUND For more information, see: What is Radio Spectrum Policy? (European Commission) Radio Spectrum: coordination, harmonisation and information (European Commission). MAIN DOCUMENTS Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/667 of 6 May 2020 amending Decision 2012/688/EU as regards an update of relevant technical conditions applicable to the frequency bands 1 920-1 980 MHz and 2 110-2 170 MHz (OJ L 156, 19.5.2020, pp. 6-12) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/636 of 8 May 2020 amending Decision 2008/477/EC as regards an update of relevant technical conditions applicable to the 2 500-2 690 MHz frequency band (OJ L 149, 12.5.2020, pp. 3-11) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2020/590 of 24 April 2020 amending Decision (EU) 2019/784 as regards an update of relevant technical conditions applicable to the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band (OJ L 138, 30.4.2020, pp. 19-22) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/784 of 14 May 2019 on harmonisation of the 24,25-27,5 GHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services in the Union (OJ L 127, 16.5.2019, pp. 13-22) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/235 of 24 January 2019 on amending Decision 2008/411/EC as regards an update of relevant technical conditions applicable to the 3400-3800 MHz frequency band (OJ L 37, 8.2.2019, pp. 135-143) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2018/661 of 26 April 2018 amending Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/750 on the harmonisation of the 1452-1492 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union as regards its extension in the harmonised 1427-1452 MHz and 1492-1517 MHz frequency bands (OJ L 110, 30.4.2018, pp. 127-133) Decision (EU) 2017/899 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2017 on the use of the 470-790 MHz frequency band in the Union (OJ L 138, 25.5.2017, pp. 131-137) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2017/191 of 1 February 2017 amending Decision 2010/166/EU, in order to introduce new technologies and frequency bands for mobile communication services on board vessels (MCV services) in the European Union (OJ L 29, 3.2.2017, pp. 63-68) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/2317 of 16 December 2016 amending Decision 2008/294/EC and Implementing Decision 2013/654/EU, in order to simplify the operation of mobile communications on board aircraft (MCA services) in the Union (OJ L 345, 20.12.2016, pp. 67-71) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2016/687 of 28 April 2016 on the harmonisation of the 694-790 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing wireless broadband electronic communications services and for flexible national use in the Union (OJ L 118, 4.5.2016, pp. 4-15) Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/750 of 8 May 2015 on the harmonisation of the 1452-1492 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union (OJ L 119, 12.5.2015, pp. 27-31) Successive amendments to Decision (EU) 2015/750 have been incorporated into the original document. This consolidated version is of documentary value only. Commission Implementing Decision 2014/276/EU of 2 May 2014 on amending Decision 2008/411/EC on the harmonisation of the 3400 - 3800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community (OJ L 139, 14.5.2014, pp. 18-25) Commission Implementing Decision 2013/654/EU of 12 November 2013 amending Decision 2008/294/EC to include additional access technologies and frequency bands for mobile communications services on aircraft (MCA services) (OJ L 303, 14.11.2013, pp. 48-51) See consolidated version. Commission Implementing Decision 2012/688/EU of 5 November 2012 on the harmonisation of the frequency bands 1920 - 1980 MHz and 2110 - 2170 MHz for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Union (OJ L 307, 7.11.2012, pp. 84-88) Commission Implementing Decision 2011/251/EU of 18 April 2011 amending Decision 2009/766/EC on the harmonisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems capable of providing pan-European electronic communications services in the Community (OJ L 106, 27.4.2011, pp. 9-10) Commission Decision 2010/267/EU of 6 May 2010 on harmonised technical conditions of use in the 790-862 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the European Union (OJ L 117, 11.5.2010, pp. 95-101) Commission Decision 2010/166/EU of 19 March 2010 on harmonised conditions of use of radio spectrum for mobile communication services on board vessels (MCV services) in the European Union (OJ L 72, 20.3.2010, pp. 38-41) See consolidated version. Commission Decision 2009/766/EC of 16 October 2009 on the harmonisation of the 900 MHz and 1800 MHz frequency bands for terrestrial systems capable of providing pan-European electronic communications services in the Community (OJ L 274, 20.10.2009, pp. 32-35) See consolidated version. Commission Decision 2008/477/EC of 13 June 2008 on the harmonisation of the 2500 - 2690 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community (OJ L 163, 24.6.2008, pp. 37-41) Commission Decision 2008/411/EC of 21 May 2008 on the harmonisation of the 3400 - 3800 MHz frequency band for terrestrial systems capable of providing electronic communications services in the Community (OJ L 144, 4.6.2008, pp. 77-81) See consolidated version. Commission Decision 2008/294/EC of 7 April 2008 on harmonised conditions of spectrum use for the operation of mobile communication services on aircraft (MCA services) in the Community (OJ L 98, 10.4.2008, pp. 19-23) See consolidated version. Commission Decision 2006/771/EC of 9 November 2006 on harmonisation of the radio spectrum for use by short-range devices (OJ L 312, 11.11.2006, pp. 66-70) See consolidated version. Council Directive 87/372/EEC of 25 June 1987 on the frequency bands to be reserved for the coordinated introduction of public pan-European cellular digital land-based mobile communications in the Community (OJ L 196, 17.7.1987, pp. 85-86) See consolidated version. RELATED DOCUMENTS Directive (EU) 2018/1972 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 December 2018 establishing the European Electronic Communications Code (Recast) (OJ L 321, 17.12.2018, pp. 36-214) Decision No 676/2002/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 March 2002 on a regulatory framework for radio spectrum policy in the European Community (Radio Spectrum Decision) (OJ L 108, 24.4.2002, pp. 1-6) last update 25.06.2020


23.10.2015 EN Official Journal of the European Union L 278/15 COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/1908 of 22 October 2015 in support of a global reporting mechanism on illicit small arms and light weapons and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition to reduce the risk of their illicit trade (‘iTrace II’) THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Articles 26(2) and 31(1) thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Whereas: (1) On 13 December 2003, the European Council adopted the European Security Strategy, identifying five key challenges to be faced by the Union: terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional conflicts, State failure and organised crime. The consequences of the illicit manufacture, transfer and circulation of conventional weapons, including small arms and light weapons (‘SALW’), and their excessive accumulation and uncontrolled spread are central to four of these five challenges. They fuel insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East and many other regions of the world, exacerbating conflict and undermining post-conflict peace-building, thus posing a serious threat to peace and security. (2) On 15 and 16 December 2005, the Council adopted the EU Strategy to combat the illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALW and their ammunition (‘EU SALW Strategy’), which sets the guidelines for EU action in the field of SALW. The EU SALW Strategy stresses that SALW contribute to a worsening of terrorism and organised crime, and are a major factor in triggering and spreading conflicts, as well as in the collapse of State structures. (3) The EU SALW Strategy also asserts that the Union should strengthen and support the machinery for the monitoring of sanctions and support the strengthening of export controls as well as the promotion of Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP (1) by, inter alia, promoting measures to improve transparency. (4) With the United Nations Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in SALW in All Its Aspects (‘UN Programme of Action’), adopted on 20 July 2001, all UN Member States have undertaken to prevent the illicit trafficking of SALW, including their diversion to unauthorized recipients, and, in particular, to take into account the risk of diversion of SALW into the illegal trade when assessing applications for export authorizations. (5) On 8 December 2005, the UN General Assembly adopted an International Instrument to Enable States to Identify and Trace, in a Timely and Reliable Manner, Illicit SALW. (6) At the 2012 Second Review Conference on the UN Programme of Action, all UN Member States reaffirmed their commitment to preventing the illicit trafficking of SALW, including their diversion to unauthorized recipients, as well as their commitments contained in the UN Programme of Action relating to the assessment of applications for export authorisations. (7) On 2 April 2013, the UN General Assembly adopted the text of the Arms Trade Treaty (‘ATT’). The object of the ATT is to establish the highest possible common international standards for regulating or improving the regulation of the international trade in conventional arms, to prevent and eradicate the illicit trade in conventional arms and to prevent the diversion of conventional arms. The Union should support all UN Member States in implementing effective arms-transfer controls in order to ensure that the ATT will be as effective as possible, in particular as regards the implementation of Article 11 thereof. (8) The Union previously supported Conflict Armament Research Ltd (CAR) by means of Council Decision 2013/698/CFSP (2). (9) The Union wishes to finance the second phase of a global reporting mechanism on illicit SALW and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition in order to reduce the risk of their illicit trade and to continue to contribute to the achievement of the goals described above, HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: Article 1 With a view to the implementation of the EU SALW Strategy and the promotion of peace and security, the project activities to be supported by the Union shall have the following specific objectives: — continuing to maintain and further enhancing an accessible and user-friendly global information-management system on diverted or trafficked SALW and other diverted or trafficked conventional weapons and ammunition (‘iTrace’) in order to provide policymakers, conventional arms control experts and conventional arms export control officers with relevant information to develop effective, evidence-based strategies and projects against the illicit spread of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition, — conducting in-field research into SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition circulating in conflict-affected areas, uploading all collected evidence onto the information-management system, sending formal trace requests to national governments where required, and releasing, when verified (including by formal trace), information publicly on the iTrace system, — centralising existing policy-relevant documentation on transfers of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition in the global information-management system, including national arms-export reports, country reports to the UN Conventional Arms Register and the UN Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in SALW, the texts of national, regional and international instruments, and verified reports of illicit SALW and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition transfers compiled by UN sanctions-monitoring groups, civil-society organisations and the international news media, — increasing awareness by outreach on the findings of the project, promoting the purpose and available functions of iTrace to international and national policymakers, conventional arms control experts and arms-export licensing authorities, and enhancing international capacity to monitor the illicit spread of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition as well as to assist policymakers in identifying priority areas for international assistance and cooperation and to reduce the risk of diversion of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition. Outreach initiatives will also be designed to coordinate information-sharing and build sustainable partnerships with individuals and organisations capable of generating information that can be uploaded onto the iTrace system, — providing key policy issue reports, drawn from the data generated by field investigations and presented on the iTrace system, about specific areas deserving international attention, including major trafficking patterns of SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition, and the regional distribution of trafficked weapons and ammunition. The Union shall finance this project, a detailed description of which is set out in the Annex to this Decision. Article 2 1. The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (‘HR’) shall be responsible for implementing this Decision. 2. The technical implementation of the project referred to in Article 1 shall be carried out by Conflict Armament Research Ltd (‘CAR’). 3. CAR shall perform its tasks under the responsibility of the HR. For this purpose, the HR shall enter into the necessary arrangements with CAR. Article 3 1. The financial reference amount for the implementation of the project referred to in Article 1 shall be EUR 2 530 684. The total estimated budget of the overall project shall be EUR 3 020 000, which shall be provided through co-financing by CAR and the German Federal Foreign Office. 2. The expenditure financed by the amount set out in paragraph 1 shall be managed in accordance with the procedures and rules applicable to the general budget of the Union. 3. The Commission shall supervise the proper management of the financial reference amount referred to in paragraph 1. For this purpose, it shall conclude the necessary agreement with CAR. The agreement shall stipulate that CAR has to ensure the visibility of the Union's contribution, appropriate to its size. 4. The Commission shall endeavour to conclude the agreement referred to in paragraph 3 as soon as possible after the entry into force of this Decision. It shall inform the Council of any difficulties in that process and of the date of conclusion of the agreement. Article 4 1. The HR shall report to the Council on the implementation of this Decision on the basis of quarterly narrative reports prepared by CAR. Those reports shall form the basis of the evaluation carried out by the Council. In order to assist the Council in its evaluation of the results of this Decision, an external entity shall carry out an evaluation of the project. 2. The Commission shall report on the financial aspects of the project referred to in Article 1. Article 5 1. This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption. 2. This Decision shall expire 24 months after the date of conclusion of the agreement referred to in Article 3(3). However, it shall expire six months after the date of its entry into force if no agreement has been concluded within that period. Done at Luxembourg, 22 October 2015. For the Council The President F. ETGEN (1) Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP of 8 December 2008 defining common rules governing control of exports of military technology and equipment (OJ L 335, 13.12.2008, p. 99). (2) Council Decision 2013/698/CFSP of 25 November 2013 in support of a global reporting mechanism on illicit small arms and light weapons and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition to reduce the risk of their illicit trade (OJ L 320, 30.11.2013, p. 34). ANNEX iTrace Global Reporting Mechanism on SALW and other Conventional Arms and Ammunition 1. Background and rationale for Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) support 1.1. This Decision builds on successive Council Decisions to combat the destabilising impact of the diversion and trafficking of SALW and of other conventional weapons, notably Council Decision 2013/698/CFSP (1), which established the iTrace global reporting mechanism on illicit SALW and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition. The illicit proliferation of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition is a major factor undermining State stability and exacerbating conflicts, posing a serious threat to peace and security. As stated in the EU SALW Strategy, illicit weapons and ammunition contribute to a worsening of terrorism and organised crime, and are a major factor in triggering and spreading conflicts, as well as in the collapse of State structures. The activities conducted under Decision 2013/698/CFSP have significantly increased the international community's monitoring and diagnostic capacity in the field of combating the proliferation of illicit SALW and other conventional weapons. In the framework of the Decision 2013/698/CFSP, iTrace documented more than 200 000 conventional weapons, ammunition and related material, including improvised explosive devices (IEDs). This exceeds all previous efforts to map illicit weapons, combined, by a wide margin. iTrace field investigations were conducted in the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Mali, Mauritania, Myanmar, Nepal, Somalia, Somaliland, South Sudan, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Uganda. iTrace also provided significant technical support to UN Security Council Sanctions Groups and UN Missions (MINUSCA, MINUSMA, MONUSCO, UNMISS, UNOCI, and UNSOM) as well as to several governments who requested iTrace investigative support. As the scope and scale of investigations have intensified, iTrace has become a progressively vital tool in: a) generating policy-actionable information on illicit weapon transfers into conflict regions, notably in specific regions of EU Member States' concern; b) enabling real-time understanding of the global illicit trade in weapons; c) profiling diversion to enhance the capacity of EU export-control authorities to assess diversion risks prior to export; and d) facilitating information-sharing across otherwise weakly connected UN, international, regional, and national bodies. 1.2. This Decision therefore aims to continue the work of the pilot project under Decision 2013/698/CFSP by further providing policymakers, arms-control experts and arms export control officers with systematically compiled, relevant information, which will enable them to develop effective, evidence-based counter-proliferation strategies against the illicit spread of conventional weapons and their ammunition in order to improve international and regional security. It will thus continue to support them in order to combine a successful reactive strategy with adequate preventive action to tackle illicit supply and demand, and to ensure effective control of conventional arms in third countries. 1.3. This Decision provides for the continued maintenance and further enhancement of the publicly accessible iTrace online system, which tracks illicit SALW and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition, plotting specific weapon types, suppliers, transfer vectors and illicit recipients. Focused on conflict-affected regions, iTrace serves as a global reporting mechanism that enables national governments to monitor trafficking of SALW and in other conventional weapons and ammunition and diagnose cases of diversion. 2. Overall objectives The Action described below will further support the international community in combating the destabilising impact of the diversion and trafficking of SALW and of other conventional arms and ammunition. It will continue to provide policymakers, arms control experts and arms export control officers with relevant information, which will enable them to develop effective, evidence-based counter-proliferation strategies against the illicit spread of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition in order to improve international and regional security. Specifically, the Action will provide: (a) concrete information on the trafficking of SALW and of other conventional weapons required to monitor more effectively the implementation of the UN Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in SALW; (b) concrete information to strengthen the implementation of the International Tracing Instrument; (c) concrete information to track major routes and entities involved in the supply of conventional weapons and ammunition into conflict-affected regions or to international terrorist organisations and to provide evidence of groups and individuals engaged in illicit trade, in support of national legal proceedings; (d) enhanced cooperation between relevant UN organs, missions and other international organisations, in the field of tracing SALW and other conventional weapons, and of providing information directly in support of existing monitoring mechanisms, including INTERPOL's Illicit Arms Records and tracing Management System (iARMS), which is complementary to iTrace and with which continued coordination will be ensured; (e) relevant information to identify priority areas for international cooperation and assistance to combat effectively the diversion and trafficking of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition, such as funding for projects with regard to stockpile security and/or border management; (f) a mechanism to assist in monitoring the implementation of the ATT, specifically to detect the diversion of transferred conventional weapons as well as to assist governments in appraising the risk of diversion prior to the export of conventional arms, specifically the risk of diversion within the buyer country or re-export under undesirable conditions. 3. Long-term project sustainability and outcomes The Action will enhance a durable framework for the sustained monitoring of the illicit spread of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition. It is expected to increase substantially existing arms-related information and to support significantly the targeted development of effective conventional arms control and arms export control policies. Specifically, the project will: (a) further develop an information-management system that will ensure long-term collection and analysis of illicit conventional weapons data; (b) provide conventional arms control policymakers and experts with a tool to define more effective strategies and priority areas for assistance and cooperation (for example, by identifying sub-regional or regional cooperation, coordination and information-sharing mechanisms that need to be established or strengthened, by identifying insecure national stockpiles, inadequate inventory management, illicit transfer routes, weak border controls, and insufficient law enforcement capacities); (c) have the in-built flexibility to generate policy-relevant information, regardless of rapidly changing policy requirements; (d) substantially increase the efficacy of international arms-monitoring organisations and individuals by providing an information-sharing mechanism of continually expanding scope. 4. Description of Action 4.1. Project 1: Enhancement of the iTrace global arms-tracking information-management system and online mapping portal 4.1.1. Project objective The project will enhance the iTrace software, which CAR initially developed for the project implemented under the terms of Decision 2013/698/CFSP, and increase the user-friendliness of the system. The enhancements include: improved data analytics; the development of a ‘user functions suite’, which will provide specific groups of users with clear instructions on how to gain the most from using the system; high-speed data ingestion (including satellite streaming); instant updating of policy documents; a mobile iTrace application, which will run on iOS® and Android® devices; and refinements to the database to accommodate an increasing range of weapons and components. 4.1.2. Project activities The following activities will be undertaken in the framework of this project: (a) The system will be enhanced to allow for the generation of sophisticated, multi-year weapon-trafficking trend analyses. The refinements will include data-query and visualization capabilities, which will allow users to investigate complex relationships between large data sets. (b) The development of a user functions suite, which will provide an explanatory interface between the iTrace login page and the portal itself. This suite will be arranged thematically and feature video instructions targeted at specific user groups (e.g. arms-control policymakers or export-licensing officials), present specific functions of the system (e.g. generating diversion statistics or country profiling), and provide guidance on advanced searches and use of the data. This suite will also feature an interactive help function arranged according to frequently asked questions. (c) The system will be modified to allow instant updating of country-specific information (including national reports, legislation, and arms-control instruments). The system will retrieve information, in real time, from a range of existing databases, allowing rapid search and retrieval of policy documents on the mobile application (see 4.1.2 (e) below). (d) The system will be reconfigured to allow for the ingestion of MS Excel® data and other spreadsheet-based applications via satellite uplink. This development is expected to increase the speed of data entry by a factor of five. High-volume data collection (notably in Iraq and Syria) has made this development an imperative. (e) In response to user demand, the project will develop a stripped-down version of iTrace, which is designed to run on iOS® and Android® devices. The purpose of this application will be to ensure policymaker access to the geospatial-mapping, diversion-monitoring and country-document features of iTrace on any platform and in any forum. (f) The system will be modified to accommodate new databases, to reflect the greater range of weapons, ammunition, component parts, and military vehicles identified during CAR's expanded operations in 2013-15. 4.1.3. Project results The project will: (a) allow any online user to browse a particular location, country, region or continent of the world; (b) identify and deliver visual evidence of diverted or trafficked SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition in that location, country, region or continent; (c) plot dates of transfer, illicit supply routes and traffickers involved for any one item (of thousands) of trafficked SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition on an online world map; (d) automatically retrieve similar cases (SALW and other conventional weapons or ammunition of the same type, country of manufacture or production series) and plot these items, and their locations, on an online world map; (e) identify and map linkages between types of diverted or trafficked SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition, or parties to international trafficking; (f) generate comprehensive reports (for example the scale of diversion in a given country or the origin of diverted conventional weapons), which will be downloadable in PDF format; (g) host, by country and globally, existing policy-relevant documentation on transfers of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition, including national arms-export reports, country reports to the UN Register of Conventional Arms and the UN Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in SALW, the text of relevant national, regional and international instruments, and verified reports of illicit SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition transfers compiled by UN sanctions-monitoring groups, civil-society organisations and the international news media; (h) stream data compatible with INTERPOL's iARMS, which will enable INTERPOL to cross-compare crime weapons in the iARMS with iTrace-generated information on illicit weapons; (i) produce diversion statistics to support conventional arms control experts in identifying priority areas for improvement, assistance and cooperation, and to assist national arms export licensing authorities in recognising concrete diversion risks. 4.1.4. Project implementation indicators The project will continue to maintain and enhance a free, publicly accessible online mapping system, with no restrictions on potential beneficiaries. 4.1.5. Project beneficiaries iTrace will continue to provide increasingly comprehensive information explicitly targeted at, but not limited to: national arms control policymakers; arms export-licensing agencies; regional and international organisations (including UN sanctions-monitoring groups, UN peacekeeping missions, UNODC, UNODA and INTERPOL); non-governmental research organisations (including the Bonn International Center for Conversion (BICC), the Group for Research and Information on Peace (GRIP), the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Small Arms Survey); advocacy organisations (including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch) and the international news media. 4.2. Project 2: Field investigations required to further populate the iTrace system with real-time documentary evidence of the diversion and trafficking of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition, and other relevant information. 4.2.1. Project objective The project will conduct in-field research into SALW and other conventional weapons and ammunition circulating in conflict-affected areas. The project will expand continually in geographic scope and will prioritise numerous countries of particular concern to EU Member States, including, inter alia, the Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya, Mali, South Sudan, Somalia and Syria. The establishment of formal information-sharing agreements with a range of organisations, including UN Missions, will facilitate the project, as will the selective sending of formal trace requests to national governments. In addition, the project will continue to conduct desk research into and verify (including through in-field investigations) existing information on relevant transfers gathered from organisations other than CAR for entry into the iTrace system. 4.2.2. Project activities The following activities will be undertaken in the framework of this project: (a) the deployment of qualified weapon experts to conduct in-field analysis of illicit SALW and other conventional weapons, ammunition and related materiel recovered from conflict-affected states; (b) the analysis, review and verification of documented evidence on illicit SALW and other illicit conventional weapons, ammunition and their users, including, inter alia, photographs of weapons, their component parts and internal and external markings, packaging, associated shipping documentation and the results of field investigations (users, supplies and transfer routes); (c) the review and verification of additional recent evidence on relevant transfers of SALW and of other conventional weapons and ammunition gathered by organisations other than CAR, including reports by UN sanctions-monitoring groups, civil-society organisations, and the international news media; (d) the uploading of all collected and reviewed evidence onto the iTrace information-management system and online mapping portal; (e) the identification and support of local partners to ensure sustained data collection in support of iTrace throughout the duration of the proposed Action and beyond; (f) the continued liaison with EU governments to predefine national points of contact, and a coordination mechanism, in order to clarify the scope of CAR's investigations, and alleviate possible conflicts of interest, in advance of its investigations. The project will be implemented incrementally over the full two-year iTrace project period. 4.2.3. Project results The project will: (a) document, in situ, the physical evidence of diverted or trafficked conventional weapons and ammunition in conflict-affected regions; (b) verify and develop illicit trafficking cases from evidence gathered by CAR, by organisations with standing information-sharing agreements with CAR, and, as appropriate, other organisations, on diverted or trafficked conventional weapons and ammunition across all regions; (c) provide concrete visual evidence of diverted or trafficked conventional weapons and ammunition, including photographs of items, serial numbers, factory marks, boxes, packing lists, shipping documents, and end-user certification; (d) generate textual accounts of illicit activity, including trafficking routes, actors involved in diversion or illicit transfer and assessments of contributing factors (including ineffective stockpile management and security and deliberate, state-orchestrated illicit supply networks); (e) upload the aforementioned evidence onto the iTrace information-management system and online mapping portal for full public dissemination. 4.2.4. Project implementation indicators Up to 30 field deployments (including extended deployment where required) throughout the two-year period to generate evidence to upload onto the iTrace information-management system and online mapping portal. 4.2.5. Project beneficiaries Please see Section 4.1.5 above for a full list of beneficiaries, which is identical for all projects listed within this Decision. 4.3. Project 3: Stakeholder outreach and international coordination 4.3.1. Project objective The project will showcase the benefits of iTrace to international and national policymakers, conventional arms control experts, and arms export licensing authorities. Outreach initiatives will also be designed to further coordinate information-sharing and build sustainable partnerships with individuals and organisations capable of generating information that can be uploaded onto the iTrace system. 4.3.2. Project activities The following activities will be undertaken in the framework of this project: (a) CAR staff presentations to relevant international conferences dealing with the illicit trade in conventional weapons in all its aspects. Staff presentations will be designed to showcase iTrace, with an emphasis on 1) its concrete benefits for assisting in monitoring the implementation of the UN Programme of Action, the ATT, and other relevant international instruments; 2) its utility in identifying priority areas for international assistance and cooperation; and 3) its utility as a risk-assessment profiling mechanism for arms export licensing authorities; (b) CAR staff presentations to national governments and peacekeeping operations. Staff presentations will be designed to showcase iTrace to relevant mission departments, to encourage and develop formal information-sharing agreements capable of generating information that can be uploaded onto the iTrace system, as well as to assist policymakers in identifying priority areas for international assistance and cooperation. The project will be implemented over the full two-year iTrace project period. 4.3.3. Project results The project will: (a) demonstrate the utility of iTrace to national and international policymakers working to implement conventional arms control and arms export control agreements (UN Programme of Action, ATT, and other relevant international instruments) and evaluate their implementation; (b) provide relevant information to assist policymakers and conventional arms control experts in identifying priority areas for international assistance and cooperation and devising effective counter-proliferation strategies; (c) provide arms export licensing authorities with in-depth information on iTrace and its risk-assessment utility, in addition to providing an avenue for further feedback and system enhancement; (d) facilitate information-sharing among national governments and UN peacekeeping operations, including data processing and analysis using the iTrace system; (e) further network an expanding group of conventional arms control experts involved in conducting in situ investigations into the diversion and trafficking of conventional weapons and ammunition; (f) raise the public profile of conventional weapons and ammunition tracing as a means to assist in monitoring the implementation of the UN Programme of Action, the ATT and other international and regional arms control and arms export control instruments. 4.3.4. Project implementation indicators Up to 12 outreach conferences attended by CAR staff. All conferences will include presentations of iTrace. Conference agendas and brief summaries will be included in the final report. 4.3.5. Project beneficiaries Please see Section 4.1.5 above for a full list of beneficiaries, which is identical for all projects listed within this Decision. 4.4. Project 4: iTrace policy reports 4.4.1. Project objective The project will provide key policy issue reports, drawn from the data generated by field investigations and presented on the iTrace system. The reports will be designed to highlight specific areas of international concern, including major patterns in the trafficking of conventional weapons and ammunition, the regional distribution of trafficked weapons and ammunition, and priority areas for international attention. 4.4.2. Project activities In-depth analysis leading to the compilation, review, editing and publication of up to ten iTrace policy reports. 4.4.3. Project results The project will: (a) produce up to ten reports, each profiling a separate issue of international concern; (b) ensure the distribution of iTrace policy reports to all EU Member States; (c) devise a targeted outreach strategy to ensure maximum global coverage; (d) sustain the visibility of the Action in the policy arena and international news media by, inter alia, presenting illicit-weapon information of topical concern; providing policy-relevant analysis in support of ongoing arms-control processes and tailoring reports to provide maximum international news media interest. 4.4.4. Project implementation indicators Up to ten online iTrace policy reports produced throughout the duration of the proposed Action and distributed globally. 4.4.5. Project beneficiaries Please see Section 4.1.5 above for a full list of beneficiaries, which is identical for all projects listed within this Decision. 5. Locations The location for Project 1 will be the United Kingdom. The project recognises that the required results of in-field investigations cannot be replicated remotely and Project 2 will necessitate extensive field deployment of conventional-arms experts to conflict-affected regions. These deployments will be assessed on a case-by-case basis, with reference to security, access and the availability of information. CAR already has established contacts or ongoing projects in many of the countries concerned. Project 3 will be conducted at international conferences, and in coordination with national governments and relevant organisations, worldwide to ensure maximum project visibility. Project 4 will be compiled in the United Kingdom. 6. Duration The total estimated duration of the combined projects is 24 months. 7. Implementing entity and EU visibility The technical implementation of this Decision will be entrusted to CAR. CAR will perform its task under the responsibility of the HR. CAR emerged out of a growing network of arms investigators, which has pioneered the identification and tracing of conventional weapons and ammunition since 2006. CAR focuses on identifying and tracing weapons on the ground. This individual case-study approach, and the technical capacity required to implement it, is essential for comprehensively mapping the diversion of conventional arms into and within countries in conflict, which is currently not sufficiently monitored by the international community. To do this, CAR sends small teams of investigators, with 10 or more years of weapon-specific expertise, into conflict-affected areas to examine and document illicit weapons in situ. As of May 2013, CAR deployed field-operations staff to 18 conflict-affected regions, directly supported seven UN sanctions-monitoring groups, held formal information-sharing agreements with two UN peacekeeping missions, and provided technical assistance to two CSDP missions. It also provided regular technical support to seven national governments on weapon identification and tracing. CAR remains the only organisation, outside of the UN system, dedicated exclusively to identifying and tracing conventional weapons, ammunition and related materiel, on the ground, in contemporary armed conflicts. On 25 November 2013, Decision 2013/698/CFSP mandated CAR to design and implement iTrace. iTrace is a global reporting mechanism on illicit small arms and light weapons and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition. In its pilot phase (iTrace I), the project focused primarily on documenting illicit weapons in sub-Saharan Africa, with additional focus in the Middle East (Iraq and Syria), and uploading findings onto the iTrace system. The project has, so far, documented more than 200 000 items, comprising weapons, ammunition and related materiel circulating in conflict-affected regions. CAR shall take all appropriate measures to publicise the fact that the Action has been funded by the Union. Such measures will be carried out in accordance with the Commission Communication and Visibility Manual for European Union External Actions laid down and published by the Commission. CAR will thus ensure the visibility of the Union contribution with appropriate branding and publicity, highlighting the role of the Union, ensuring the transparency of its actions, and raising awareness of the reasons for the Decision as well as Union support for the Decision and the results of this support. Material produced by the project will prominently display the Union flag in accordance with Union guidelines for the accurate use and reproduction of the flag. 8. Reporting CAR will prepare quarterly narrative reports. (1) Council Decision 2013/698/CFSP of 25 November 2013 in support of a global reporting mechanism on illicit small arms and light weapons and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition to reduce the risk of their illicit trade (OJ L 320, 30.11.2013, p. 34).

Summary: Illicit weapons and ammunition - global reporting mechanism Illicit weapons and ammunition - global reporting mechanism SUMMARY OF: Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1908 – global reporting mechanism on illicit small arms and light weapons (‘iTrace II’) SUMMARY WHAT DOES THIS DECISION DO? It renews EU funding for iTrace, a user-friendly global information management system on diverted or trafficked small arms and light weapons* (SALW) and ammunition. KEY POINTS — The iTrace project is to be implemented by the non-governmental organisation Conflict Armament Research (CAR) under the responsibility of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR). — The High Representative reports on the implementation process to the Council of the EU, while the European Commission reports on the financial aspects. — The project has been allocated €2.53 million from the EU budget. CAR and the German Federal Foreign Office will cover additional costs. The project shall support the following objectives: — To maintain and further enhance iTrace so as to provide policymakers, arms control experts and arms export control authorities with relevant information to develop effective, evidence-based strategies and projects against the spread of illicit SALW; — To conduct in-field research into SALW, upload all evidence into iTrace, and send formal requests to national governments to trace SALW movements; — To centralise existing policy-relevant documentation on SALW transfers; — To increase awareness on the project's findings and promote the purpose and functions of iTrace to policymakers, arms control experts and arms export control authorities; — To provide key policy issue reports about specific areas deserving international attention drawn up from data generated by field investigations and presented on the iTrace system. FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY? It entered into force on 22 October 2015. BACKGROUND SALWs contribute to a worsening of terrorism and organised crime and are a major factor in triggering and spreading conflicts, as well as in the collapse of governments. Monitoring the movements of illicit SALW is integral for solving these problems. The EU first provided funding for iTrace in 2013, with Council Decision 2013/698/CFSP. This decision supports the EU strategy to combat illicit accumulation and trafficking of SALWs and their ammunition. KEY TERM *Small arms and light weapons (SALW): these refer to any man-portable lethal weapon. Small arms include handguns, shotguns, assault rifles and light machineguns. Light weapons include heavy machineguns, grenade launchers, and anti-tank guns. ACT Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/1908 of 22 October 2015 in support of a global reporting mechanism on illicit small arms and light weapons and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition to reduce the risk of their illicit trade (‘iTrace II’) (OJ L 278, 23.10.2015, pp. 15–25) RELATED ACTS Council Decision 2013/698/CFSP of 25 November 2013 in support of a global reporting mechanism on illicit small arms and light weapons and other illicit conventional weapons and ammunition to reduce the risk of their illicit trade (OJ L 320, 30.11.2013, pp. 34–42) last update 27.11.2015