CEN and CENELEC warmly welcome the European Commission’s publication of the Annual Union Work Programme 2025 for Standardization (AUWP), setting out six priorities and 78 actions to enhance industrial resilience, foster the digital and green transitions, support EU space infrastructure, and strengthen the internal market. This programme has been drawn up to specifically support EU policies and legislation with the objective of contributing to a green, digital and resilient Single Market, as well as the EU’s international objectives.
Key Highlights of the 2025 AUWP include:
- Bio-materials, bio-based and wood-derived products;
- Critical raw materials for batteries of electric vehicles;
- Qualification of small modular reactor materials;
- EU Trusted Data Framework;
- European Digital Identity wallet; and
- Standards driving quantum technology development and the implementation of Post-Quantum Cryptography protocols.
The document also acknowledges that standards support EU policies to ensure that EU products and services are competitive worldwide and reflect state-of-the-art safety, security, health, social and environmental considerations. In addition, they are an important tool for research, development and innovation valorisation by demonstrating proof of concept and leveraging the roll-out of completely new industrial value chains in the green and digital areas.
By prioritizing areas that align with Europe’s ever-evolving standardization landscape, the European Commission utilizes a vital resource that improves market access for European businesses and provides key insights into the current needs of industry.
With a collaborative approach to achieving common goals, the AUWP reflects the ongoing dialogue and collaboration between the European Commission, CEN, CENELEC, and stakeholders from various sectors. By working closely with these organizations, it is collectively ensured that the standards produced will be practical, relevant, and responsive to the challenges currently facing the global market.
Looking into the future of standardization, stakeholders are encouraged to refer to CEN and CENELEC’s Work Programme 2025. This particular document highlights three horizontal business topics key to overcoming present and future challenges: Accessibility, Sustainability and Conformity Assessment. This document also includes a horizontal overview of the most important strategic highlights that will shape CEN and CENELEC’s development over the course of 2025, as well as a midpoint review of the Strategy 2030.
As we navigate a dynamic global landscape, CEN and CENELEC are committed to supporting the Single Market’s digital and green transitions to boost resilience and competitiveness. 2025 will be a defining year for European standardization. Many of our key projects will translate the European Commission’s Competitiveness Compass into actionable steps, with a focus on strengthening Europe’s industrial base and technological leadership.
CEN and CENELEC remain committed to European standards that are developed through an inclusive, transparent, and consensus-driven process, while also being adaptable to fast-paced changes in technology and market dynamics.
With the Annual Union Work Programme 2025 for Standardization and the CEN and CENELEC Work Programme 2025 both officially adopted, CEN, CENELEC and the European Commission can take the next steps forward with a bold and ambitious strategy for 2025 and beyond.
