ANEC President Dermott Jewell and Deputy Director-General Chiara Giovannini joined the third meeting of the European Commission's High-Level Forum on Standardization (HLF) on 29 January 2025.
In his intervention, Mr Jewell highlighted a significant milestone: EU household expenditure in 2023 accounted for 52.1% of GDP, a figure that signals a recovery to near pre-pandemic levels. Mr Jewell emphasized that this statistic is a clear reminder of the essential contribution of consumers to Europe’s economy. Their spending drives prosperity, while their trust and confidence fuel sustainable growth.
"Consumers are the backbone of Europe’s economy," Mr Jewell noted, highlighting the need for European legislation and standardization frameworks to reflect consumers and consumer rights. He added that the European Standardization System’s unique strength comes from bringing together a wide range of stakeholders: businesses, governments, civil society, and consumer representatives into a collaborative dialogue. This approach delivers standards that are not only economically relevant, but also socially fair and adaptable to the needs of all Europeans.
"Inclusiveness is not just a principle," he stressed. "It is a necessity for building a fairer, more resilient, and prosperous Europe."
Read the full transcript of Dermott Jewell's intervention at the meeting.
