| 1. |
Context |
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1.1 |
In 2001, the European Commission together with the automotive industry and other stakeholders established an eSafety Working Group consisting of some 40 experts, and mandated it to propose a European strategy for accelerating the research and development, deployment and use of Intelligent Integrated Road Safety Systems including Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). In November 2001, the Working Group published its Final Report, which was later approved in a High-Level Meeting by all stakeholders to be the basis for further actions in advancing the use of ICT for improving road safety in Europe. The report gives 28 detailed recommendations for action, directed to the European Commission, the Member States, road and safety authorities, automotive industry, service providers, user clubs, insurance industry and other stakeholders. |
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1.2 |
One of the key recommendations in the report is the proposal to establish an eSafety Forum to act as a joint platform for all road safety stakeholders. The objective of the Forum is to promote and monitor the implementation of the recommendations identified by the eSafety Working Group, and to support the development, deployment and use of Intelligent Integrated Road Safety Systems. The Forum is expected to provide for a platform to encourage and monitor the actions of all stakeholders, including the Commission, industry and the Member States. |
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1.3 |
The eSafety Forum was established by the Commission (DG Information Society) in close collaboration with the industry, industrial associations and public sector stakeholders. A Steering Group has been set up, and it has defined the Forum Work programme for 2003, as well as the membership and Working Group structure. Furthermore, the Commission Communication on eSafety includes, as one of its priority measures, continuing support for the Forum[1]. |
| 2. |
Constitution |
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2.1 |
In the context of the setting-up of the Forum, four Working Groups will be set up immediately, and four others later in 2003. |
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2.2 |
Depending on the Forum progress and priorities, the Steering Group may propose to the eSafety Forum plenary the establishment of additional Working Groups, which can be also ad-hoc groups with a specific objective and limited duration. |
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2.3 |
The Working Groups will be established initially for the period of 2 years (2003-2004). The Working Groups are expected to meet at least four times per year. |
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2.4 |
The Working Groups will be chaired by industrial partners or industry associations. The chairs are expected to set up the meetings and provide for their secretariat. The Commission will provide help if so requested by the chairs (providing meeting facilities, mailings, copying etc). |
| 3. |
Membership |
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3.1 |
The Working Groups will be set up by the selected chairs, who will invite at their discretion the relevant experts to participate in the groups. The number of participants will be kept relatively low, to allow for efficient working in the group. |
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3.2 |
The Working Groups will, however, assure that all relevant players are represented. In this respect, the Working Group participation should reflect that of the eSafety Forum. |
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3.3 |
All Working Group participants are expected to share the general objectives of the eSafety Forum, and to be willing to actively contribute to its work. |
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3.4 |
Participation from Member States will be encouraged. These members (from Road and Highway authorities, transport ministries, safety organisations) will be invited as individual experts and not as formal representatives of their countries. |
| 4. |
Objectives and Scope |
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4.1 |
The Working Groups will contribute to the general objectives of the eSafety Forum in their domain, and base their work on the Recommendations of the eSafety Working Group. |
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4.2 |
The Working Groups will identify and focus on the issues which are important for the implementation of the Working Group recommendations (including technical and market issues, regulation, standardisation, societal issues etc). If necessary, they will address also issues not covered by the eSafety Working Group recommendations, if deemed necessary for the work. |
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4.3 |
The Working Groups will aim at reaching consensus amongst the players on the critical issues, and to conclude in specific, detailed recommendations on the implementation steps which lead into the accelerated development, deployment and use of Intelligent Integrated Road Safety Systems. |
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4.4 |
The Working Groups will also provide recommendations on setting up of the monitoring mechanisms for the progress in their domain. |
| 5. |
Reporting |
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5.1 |
The Working Groups will provide regular reports on their progress and present results at the eSafety Forum Plenary Meetings. All reports are considered to be public, if not explicitly stated otherwise by the Group chairman. |
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5.2 |
The Working Group Chair and its members may be invited to present the Group’s progress, reports and recommendations in other public meetings, workshops and conferences. |
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5.3 |
The Commission may use the Working Group results in its internal reporting and the eventual reports to the Council and the Parliament. |
| 6. |
Costs |
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6.1 |
Working Group chairs and members are responsible for their own costs including travel costs and meeting expenses. |
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6.2 |
On the specific request of the chairs, meetings can be organised in Brussels in the Commission premises, without charge. The travel costs for a small number of experts (non-industrial partners) per meeting can be reimbursed on request. |
