85/372/EEC: Council Decision of 25 July 1985 on a definition phase for a Community action in the field of telecommunications technologies - R  D programme in advanced communications technologies for Europe (RACE)

COUNCIL  DECISION
of 25 July 1985
on a definition phase for a Community action in the field of telecommunications technologies - R & D programme in advanced communications technologies for Europe (RACE)
(85/372/EEC)
THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN
COMMUNITIES
,
Having regard to the Treaty establishing the European Economic Community, and in particular Article 235 thereof,
Having regard to the proposal from the Commission,
Having regard to the opinion of the European Parliament (1),
Having regard to the opinion of the Economic and Social Committee (2),
Whereas the Community has as its task, by establishing a common market and progressively approximating the economic policies of Member States inter alia to promote throughout the Community a harmonious development of economic activities and closer relations between the Member States;
Whereas the Heads of State or of Government, meeting in Stuttgart, Athens, Fontainebleau and Brussels, emphasized the importance of telecommunications as a major source for economic growth and social development;
Whereas the European Parliament, in its assessment of the situation and development of telecommunications, stressed the key role of telecommunications for the future political, social and economic development of the Community;
Whereas on 17 December 1984 the Council agreed on the main elements of a Community telecommunications policy, including the objective of developing advanced telecommunications services and networks by actions at Community level;
Whereas, with the emergence of new services and the progressive convergence of telecommunications, data processing and entertainment, the evolution may develop towards a Europe-wide integrated broadband network (integrated broadband communications, IBC) capable of supporting a wide range of customers and service providers;
Whereas developments in telecommunications will benefit the international competitiveness of the European economies in general and of the telecommunications industries in particular;
Whereas, in response to the requirement of using fully the economic and market potential of telecommunications, the Commission has submitted a programme of action which has been recognized as a base for further work by the Council;
Whereas R & D can make a major contribution, notably by facilitating the evolution towards future integrated broadband communications in terms of transnational connections, and also at regional and local levels;
Whereas the Council approved, in its resolution of 25 July 1983 (3), the principle of framework programmes for Community research, development and demonstra
tion, the scientific and technical objectives for the period 1984 to 1987, and in particular the importance given to the goal of promoting industrial competitiveness;
Whereas the Council, on 4 June 1985, recognized the importance of the rapid establishment of a definition phase for the RACE programme (R & D programme in Advanced Telecommunications Technologies for Europe) in order to prepare a general European framework for the development of advanced systems of communications for the future and to promote technical and industrial cooperation;
Whereas the constitution or consolidation of a specifically European industrial potential in the technologies concerned is an urgent necessity; whereas the beneficiaries must be network operators, research establishments, undertakings, including small and medium-sized enterprises, and other bodies in the Community which are best suited to attain these objectives;
Whereas it will not be possible to define and examine a Community R & D programme in this sector until the definition phase produces the relevant conclusions;
Whereas the Treaty has not provided the specific powers necessary for the adoption of this Decision;
Whereas the Scientific and Technical Research Committee (Crest) has expressed its opinion,