The European Commission issued on 2 February its long-awaited Strategy on Standardization, which was accompanied by a proposal for an amendment to the Regulation on standardization, a report on its implementation, and the 2022 AUWP for European standardization. ETUC welcomes the standardization strategy as it addresses most of the issues we had raised in our contribution to the consultation during the summer.
ETUC welcomes that the strategy recognises the strategic importance of standards, and the need to reduce the influence of non-European interests on the decision-making process, especially as regards to standards supporting EU legislation and policies. Moreover, ETUC agrees on the need for improved coordination and more inclusiveness in setting the priorities for standardisation, which can no longer be determined by technical experts alone, all the more if the standards are to support policy goals that fall in the wider public interest.
However, ETUC is concerned by the creation of additional platforms that will require additional resources and may not result in the most efficient way forward.
ETUC further agrees on the need for a balanced representation of interests within the national standardization bodies. National delegations cannot only represent industrial interests if the standards are going to be used to show compliance with rules imposed in the interest of workers. A truly multi-stakeholder approach is essential to guarantee that standards meet EU ambitions.
For more information, please contact Natalia GIORGI.
