The annual Union work programme for European standardisation for 2019 (Communication)

Key points

The EESC sees progress towards ensuring the inclusiveness and transparency of the European standardisation system through the active participation of the organisations referred to in Annex III of Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012. The participation of civil society representatives in the standardisation system should not be limited to the EU and national level. Their participation in international standardisation should also be supported, expanded and promoted. The EESC recommends that the existing mechanism be strengthened and that communication about such possibilities be improved. This will enable small and medium-sized enterprises not only to help draw up standards, but also to implement them.

The Committee supports any efforts and initiatives by the Commission to step up the standardisation process and make it more effective, so that better European standards can be protected and promoted at international level. The European standardisation system is based on a public-private partnership. The Committee hopes that the partnership will encompass the widest possible range of stakeholders.

The Committee reiterates its call for monitoring the efforts of key standardisation players, which are aimed at involving the broadest possible range of stakeholders in the European standardisation system. The EESC could, in particular, create an ad hoc forum on inclusiveness in the European standardisation system. This body would be responsible for organising an annual public hearing to evaluate progress made in this area.

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