ANEC proposed some amendments to the European Parliament’s Draft Report on Standardization Strategy for the Single Market

Specifically, we believe it is important to highlight the role of Harmonised Standards in creating the Single Market for goods, which this year is celebrating its 30th anniversary. Also, ANEC advocates for timely standardization over speedy standardization. In ANEC’s view, the core values of a European Standard (EN) should not be risked just to reduce development times even further. This is essential when the objective of an EN is to ensure the safety of a product or service, especially the safety of consumers.

We see a potential paradox arising from the European Commission’s wish for the EU to promote its strategic capacity by leading the development of International Standards, while ensuring (and reinforcing) its strategic autonomy. It is therefore important to identify when and why a standard should be developed at the international level. Furthermore, ANEC considers that the requirements of Regulation (EU) 1025/2012 about inclusiveness should be respected in the trade discussions and negotiations led by the Commission.

ANEC at ESOs/ENISA Cybersecurity Standardization Conference 2023

Furthermore, ANEC Deputy Director General Chiara Giovannini spoke at the ESOs/ENISA Cybersecurity Standardization Conference 2023, held on 7 February 2023, in Brussels. In particular, she participated in ‘Panel 3: eIDASv2 - Where are we heading with digital identities?’.

ANEC stressed that the interplay between IDAS2 and the Cyber Security Act certification is going to be key. However, it is important to ensure that consumers are not excluded or discriminated against if they do not use the system, by ensuring that the use of the European eID remains voluntary for consumers.

The Wallet should be very resistant to cyber-attacks because it contains sensitive data such as person identification data and attributes linked to a citizen and consumer. Identity theft is the main risk which needs to be addressed. It has also to be accessible for consumers of all ages and abilities. ANEC expects that standards will be needed to ensure cybersecurity and interoperability of the digital wallets.

To conclude, ANEC underlined that if European standards are to reflect consumer needs, their development process needs to reflect consumer interests. A core value of Regulation 1025/2012 - the Standardization Regulation – is its requirement for inclusiveness, and ANEC welcomes the political and financial aid the Regulation gives to ANEC as the collective voice of consumers in the European Standardisation System. However, more must be done to support the participation of consumers at the national level, bearing in mind the national delegation principle.