CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) are proud to announce a new partnership agreement with DIGITALEUROPE — a leading trade association that represents digitally transforming industries across Europe. This collaboration heralds a significant alignment between the digital industry and the European standardization ecosystem, strengthening efforts to address critical challenges and seize opportunities in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
By gaining the status of CEN and CENELEC Partner, DIGITALEUROPE will work closely with the two standardization bodies to drive innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness in the digital sector. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to the European Single Market, fostering a sustainable and competitive digital economy, and supporting technological progress in Europe.
DIGITALEUROPE’s role in this partnership will include providing technical and strategic expertise to support standardization efforts in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, data governance, and smart technologies. These contributions will enhance CEN and CENELEC’s ability to deliver standards that drive innovation while ensuring regulatory compliance and supporting the development of a green and digital economy.
The agreement underscores the importance of collaboration in achieving the European Union’s goals for a digital and sustainable future.
Through this partnership, DIGITALEUROPE and CEN and CENELEC aim to:
- Promote interoperability and compatibility in digital technologies to foster a seamless Single Market.
- Support the development and deployment of green and digital technologies.
- Address emerging challenges in areas such as Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Cybersecurity.
- Enhance the global competitiveness of Europe’s digital industries.
Attending the signing ceremony for DIGITALEUROPE were Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director General; Milda Basiulyte, Senior Director for Cyber, Infrastructure, Competitiveness & Digital Transformation; Omar Dhaher, Technical Associate Director for Standardisation & Compliance Policy. Representing CEN and CENELEC were Elena Santiago Cid, Director General; Andreea Gulacsi, Director Policy & External Affairs; Raíssa Soares, Project Manager – Stakeholders Engagement.
This agreement is a testament to the shared vision and collaborative spirit of CEN, CENELEC, and DIGITALEUROPE. Together, they will work to create a standardized framework that supports Europe’s leadership in digital innovation, strengthens economic resilience, and contributes to a sustainable future for all.
Speaking on the signing ceremony in Brussels on 4 February, Mrs Cecilia Bonefeld-Dahl, Director General of DIGITALEUROPE, said: “A strong and economically viable European Standardization System (ESS) is driven by a competitive industry that have the right incentives to contribute to standards development, invest in the next generation of experts, and reduce compliance burden. With key digital laws like the AI Act and Cyber Resilience Act moving into action, having the right standards in place is more important than ever. We will be working closely with CEN-CENELEC to ensure standards are developed and cited on time, align with global benchmarks, and keep Europe at the forefront of critical technologies and strategic innovation.”
Mrs Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC, added: “European standards are key to creating a cohesive Single Market, advancing digital transformation, and global competitiveness. By partnering with DIGITALEUROPE, we strengthen our system and our Members’ and experts’ ability to create standards that meet the needs of a fast-changing digital economy while promoting trust and interoperability across borders”.
