Standardization is a key factor for the introduction and penetration of Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS). In Europe, the regulatory and technical framework for deployment and operation of ITS have been set up. The ETSI Technical Committee for Intelligent Transport Systems (ETSI TC ITS) is developing technical standards and specifications for the use of information and communication technologies by transport infrastructures, vehicles and users. This paper outlines the structure and objectives of the technical committee, describes its position among the various ITS stakeholders and presents the main work items of the committee's work groups. Focusing on automotive ITS in the first phase, the TC ITS is expected to complete a first, coherent set of technical specifications by the end of 2009. This initial "release 1" of ITS base standards allows for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-roadside communication using 5 GHz wireless communications (ITS-G5). It covers ad hoc and IPbased networking, facilities for safety and traffic efficiency applications, security and management aspects. Future activities are expected to address a broader range of communication technologies and use cases, develop test standards, and further contribute to the technical and regulatory framework as well as to worldwide standardization and harmonization of ITS.