Welcoming the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the EU: CEN and CENELEC look forward to progress

Taking over from the Czech Presidency, the Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union began on the 1st of January and will continue until June 2023. Over the course of the semester, the Presidency will guide the important work of the Council through the various challenges Europe faces, on defence, energy, the green transition, and economic resilience.

As two of the officially recognised European Standardization Organizations (ESOs), CEN and CENELEC, together with their Swedish members, the Swedish Institute for Standards (SIS) and SEK Svensk Elstandard, are eager to show the added value of European Standards to achieving the priorities of the Swedish Presidency.

1. Security - Unity
   The Swedish Presidency will continue to prioritise economic and military support for Ukraine. The Presidency will also help prepare efforts towards the reconstruction of Ukraine and its journey to becoming more integrated in the EU. CEN and CENELEC strongly welcome this commitment and continue their support of Ukraine’s integration in the EU. Standards are a key part of increasing economic integration in Europe and we are proud to have recently welcomed the Ukrainian standardization body, DSTU, as an Affiliate. The Affiliate status will enable DSTU and Ukraine to become more closely linked to the EU Single Market and the European standardization system.
2. Resilience - Competitiveness
   CEN and CENELEC welcome the Swedish Presidency’s prioritisation of resilience and competitiveness. We echo the sentiment that strengthening the Single Market and Europe’s economic resilience is key to a strong Europe, both domestically and globally. CEN and CENELEC will continue to support the Single Market through the implementation of our Strategy 2030, which sets the basis for a continuous improvement of our standardization work. CEN and CENELEC also look forward to celebrating the 30^th Anniversary of the Single Market during the Swedish Presidency. Digitalisation is particularly instrumental to ensure a resilient and competitive EU, as recognised by the Swedish Presidency. Therefore, CEN and CENELEC will continue to reinforce the digital transition through our standardization work in important digital topics such as AI, Cybersecurity and Quantum Technologies.
3. Prosperity - green and energy transition
   To tackle the climate crisis, a global green transition is essential, and Europe has the potential to become a leader. In this context, CEN and CENELEC share the commitment of the Swedish Presidency to the green transition and to the implementation of the Fit for 55 package. We are proud signatories of the London Declaration, agreeing with the global standardization community to deliver climate friendly standards. This is also reflected in our project mapping standards that support the Sustainable Development Goals.The war in Ukraine and the resulting volatility of energy prices has further shown the world the importance of transitioning to cleaner and more efficient sources of energy. CEN and CENELEC, like the Swedish Presidency, share the urgency to tackle issues in the energy transition and supporting innovation in new energy sources. Our commitment to the green and energy transition is testified by our technical work in areas such as eco-design, environmental management and hydrogen.
4. Democratic values and the rule of law - our foundation
   A strong and resilient Europe needs strong and resilient values. The functioning of the Single Market and the efficiency of European trade requires democracy, the rule of law and fundamental rights. As a key part of the European economy, CEN and CENELEC welcome the Swedish Presidency’s efforts to ensure that these values and principles are upheld.

Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC, commented: “The European Standardization System, based on a voluntary and inclusive approach, has shown its strength to address the many challenges Europe has to face. Now, on the occasion of the 30^th Anniversary of the Single Market, the CEN and CENELEC community is willing to continue engaging with the Swedish Presidency of the EU Council to help making Europe safer, greener and freer, on the basis of a renewed strategic partnership with the European institutions".

Annika Andreasen, CEO of SIS, said: “The Swedish presidency of the EU represents a unique opportunity to increase knowledge about the standardization system and to engage with decision-makers, EU institutions and stakeholders. Standards strongly contribute to the green and digital transition and to increased resilience and competitiveness, including reaching the climate goals and implementing the circular economy agenda. I look forward to the coming six months and to celebrating 30 years of the Single Market.”

Thomas Korssell, Managing Director at SEK Svensk Elstandard, commented: “SEK shares the sentiment that standards play a vital role in achieving positive change in relation to the priorities of the Swedish Presidency. The challenges ahead are solvable through joint solutions, based on collaborative efforts, enabled by European Standards”.