CEN and CENELEC experts contributed to the first Sherpa sub-group meeting of the High-Level Forum on European Standardization

The first meeting of the Sherpa sub-group brought together representatives from participating organizations to support the High-Level Forum with relevant standardization expertise. It was held in preparation for the inaugural High-Level Forum on European Standardization, which will be held on 20 January 2023.  

In the Sherpa meeting, CEN was represented by Daniele Pernigotti (UNI, expert for Green), Dr. Stefan Weisgerber (DIN, expert for Digital), and Pedro Pablo López Bernal (UNE, expert for Resilience). The CENELEC representatives included Pouline Terpager (DS, expert for Green), Johannes Koch (DKE, expert for Digital), and Bernhard Spalt (OVE, expert for Resilience). This experience was quite welcome as an opportunity to showcase their deep knowledge and experience to the service of a strategic approach of European standardization.  

The High-Level Forum is a significant innovation introduced by the new European Standardization Strategy (2022) and is designed to "assist and advise the Commission in anticipating upcoming standardization priorities and contribute to the EU’s role as a global standard-setter." CEN President Stefano Calzolari and CENELEC President Wolfgang Niedziella are Members of the Forum itself, along with other representatives from government, industry and other organizations interested in standardization issues.  

In contrast, the Sherpa sub-group meetings are envisioned to be held three or four times a year, in order to allow for both concrete deliverables and effective coordination between the annual High-Level Forum meetings.  

Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Market, is expected to make the opening remarks at the inaugural meeting of the High-Level Forum next 20 January, and discussions will revolve around operational next steps. 

More information can be found on the dedicated page on the European Commission's website.