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IARU-R1 27th General Conference, Wien
· IARU, News · Mats, SM6EAN

The 27th IARU Region 1 General Conference in Vienna has just been closed. It was attended by 38 member societies and the IARU Administrative Council (including region 2 and 3 representatives), over 120 delegates. In addition to new budget and recommendations, the officials for the coming three years was elected. The committee and working group chairs were re-elected and we now have a new Executive Committee (EC). The members of the new EC are:

President: Hans Blondeel Timmerman, PB2T
Vice President: Dennis Green, ZS4BS
Secretary: Achraf (Ash) Chaabane, 3V9A 
Treasurer: Elvira (Vera) Hardmeier Balmer, HB9EYH
EC Member: Ahmad AlHoli, 9K2DB
EC Member: Ana Canizares Bejarano, EI5IXB
EC Member: Joseph Msallam, 5B4APB
EC Member: Markus Großer, DL8GM
EC Member: Florian Zwingl, OE3FTA 

In the photo is the new EC and some of the IARU-R1 officials. From left to right, front row: 9K2DB, OD5RI, 5B4APB, OE3FTA, PB2T, EI5IXB, HB9EYH, ZS4BS. Back row: F6BEE, 3V9A, OE3MZC, OM3BH, 5B4AHZ, DL8GM, EA1JAY, G0DUB, HB9SSB, ON6TI.

As ex-secretary I wish the new EC and elected officials all the best for the coming three years!

73′ /Mats, SM6EAN

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Ethics and Operating Procedures Edition 4 release announcement
· News · Mats, SM6EAN

We are pleased to announce the official release of the Ethics and Operating Procedures for the Radio Amateur, Fourth Edition. This revision incorporates the latest developments and best practices in the field of amateur radio. We believe these updates are essential to upholding the high standards of amateur radio and ensuring our community remains at the forefront of technological innovation and ethical operating practices.

We also wish to acknowledge the valuable comments and the extensive feedback received from the IARU Member Societies on an earlier draft of this new edition. All input has been carefully reviewed, and the document has been updated as necessary.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the editorial team for their valuable contributions in updating this guide. Their dedication, attention to detail, and commitment to upholding the highest standards of amateur radio have been instrumental in enhancing this important document.

The editorial team:

  • Rafal, EI6LA
  • Ian, GM4AUP
  • Marco, IU2DXF
  • Frode, LA6VQ
  • Ahmad, 9K2DB
  • Silvano Ancelotti (Graphic Designer)

Special Acknowledgment also goes to:

  • Remy, PA0AGF
  • David, VA7DXX
  • David, F4JKS

Thank you to everyone who contributed their time and expertise to ensure this document remains the benchmark for amateur radio operations globally.

The Ethics and Operating Procedures web pages and documents can be found through the left-hand menu “On the Air” + “Codes of Conduct” or by the link https://​www​.iaru​-r1​.org/​o​n​-​t​h​e​-​a​i​r​/​e​op/

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Colin Thomas, G3PSM, SK
· IARU, News, Spectrum · Mats, SM6EAN

With great regret we announce the passing of Colin J. Thomas G3PSM

Colin has been attending and contributing to the IARU Region 1 Conferences representing RSGB since 1972.

He served as IARU Region 1 HF manager 2005 – 2008 and as Executive Committee member 2008 – 2014. As Chairman of the External Relations Committee Colin has played a leading role in the acquisition of additional bands including 136 kHz, 472 kHz, allocations at 5 MHz and the expansion of 7 MHz. He has also led the successful defence of our existing allocations at a time when they are under great pressure. 

In 2017 Colin was awarded the Roy Stevens G2BVN Memorial Award.

Hans, PB2T
(President IARU-R1 2008 – 2014)

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IARU Region 1 Clarification Regarding Recent Legal Proceedings in Belarus
· EC, News · Sylvain, F4GKR

Following reports regarding the prosecution of radio operators in Belarus, IARU Region 1 issues the following statement to clarify the distinction between amateur radio activities and individual legal compliance :

1. The Scope of Amateur Radio Amateur radio is a technical, educational, and service-oriented hobby defined internationally by the ITU and governed by national regulations. Its purpose is the self-training, intercommunication, and technical investigation carried out by amateurs — that is, duly authorised persons interested in radio technique solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest.

2. Accountability and the Law While the individuals involved in this case hold amateur radio licenses, our investigation indicates that the actions leading to their prosecution fall entirely outside the scope of the amateur radio service. An amateur radio license grants the privilege to experiment with technology and communicate within specific parameters; it does not grant immunity from national laws, nor does it authorise the use of radio equipment for activities that contravene the legal framework of a sovereign state.

3. Distinguishing the Hobby from the Action We believe the public narrative surrounding this case has been somewhat misplaced. The core issue is not the practice of amateur radio itself, but rather a failure to comply with specific national laws. It is vital to distinguish between the legitimate use of amateur frequencies and actions that are unrelated to the technical and social goals of our community.

4. Our Position IARU Region 1 does not condone or support any actions by licensed operators that bypass legal requirements or violate the terms of their amateur license. We advocate for the protection of our spectrum and the rights of our members, but this advocacy is predicated on the “Amateur Code” — which dictates that an operator must be balanced, loyal, and law-abiding.

The amateur radio community is built on a foundation of international cooperation and respect for regulation. We urge our members to remember that the integrity of our hobby depends on our collective commitment to operating within the legal boundaries of our respective countries.

We will continue to monitor the situation, but we reiterate that the legal consequences faced by individuals for actions outside the scope of their license are a matter for the relevant judicial systems.

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3 December 2025 – International Day of Persons with Disabilities
· News, PDRA · Mats, SM6EAN

On behalf of the Program for Disabled Radio Amateurs (PDRA) and with the support of IARU Region 1, we are pleased to announce a regional celebration to be held on 3 December 2025, marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

This event aims to promote accessibility, inclusion, and equal participation for all radio amateurs, especially those with disabilities, across IARU Region 1. It highlights the spirit of amateur radio as a bridge connecting people beyond barriers.

We invite all IARU Region 1 member societies to join this celebration by:

  1. Promoting inclusion and accessibility within your national amateur radio community.
  2. Identifying and supporting disabled radio amateurs in your country or society.
  3. Organizing activities, nets, or awareness events using the special call sign PDRA 
  4. Sharing your national experiences and best practices to help us build a shared database of inclusive initiatives across IARU Region 1.

Together, we can demonstrate that amateur radio truly belongs to everyone regardless of physical or sensory ability.

For coordination and information exchange, please contact: pdra@​iaru-​r1.​org

Let’s make 3 December 2025 a day of connection, inclusion, and friendship on the airwaves.

With best regards and 73.

Riri Azrak OD5RI
Coordinator – Program for Disabled Radio Amateurs
IARU Region 1

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