The EU Strategy on Standardisation aims to respond to the needs arising from the green and digital transitions. It outlines the EU approach to standards within the Single Market as well as globally.
Traditionally, the EU has been a strong leader in international standardisation activities but needs to take account of a changed geopolitical situation, as other countries start to approach international standardisation more strategically.
Standards help manufacturers ensure the interoperability of products and services, reduce costs, improve safety and foster innovation. They are an invisible but fundamental part of our daily life: from Wi-Fi frequencies, to connected toys or ski bindings, just to mention a few. Standards give confidence that a product or a service is fit for purpose, is safe and will not harm people or the environment. Compliance with harmonised standards guarantees that products are in line with EU law.
Anna Cavazzini (Greens/EFA, DE), Chair of Parliament’s Internal Market Committee, welcomed the Standardisation Strategy presented today by the Commission and issued the following statement:
“Standards are key to achieve the objectives of the European Green Deal and for the functioning of the internal market. I welcome the new strategy presented by the European Commission, which will address challenges that the European standardisation system faces.
We don’t only need faster approval for new European standards, inclusiveness, and a clearer definition of the role of the European Commission in the industry-led standardisation process. We also need to enhance the EU’s standardisation process in order to serve other policy objectives such as environmental and consumer protection, for example with new standards to support the recycling of critical raw materials.”
