NEWS

On 24 March 2023, the CEN General Assembly approved the application of SON (the Standards Organisation of Nigeria) to become a CEN Companion Standardization Body (CSB).

On the 28th of March, the Internal Market and Consumer Protection committee of the European Parliament (IMCO) voted to approve the Own Initiative Report on a standardization strategy for the single market. CEN and CENELEC welcome the initiative as a clear sign of the Parliament’s understanding of the importance of European standardization to the functioning of the Single Market.  

Quantum Technology is a promising field in the development of skills to navigate the digital transition. To steer work on standardization in this rapidly advancing field,  CEN and CENELEC recently published two important documents: a Standardization Roadmap and a report on Quantum Technologies Use Cases. The two documents provide a comprehensive vision on the European standardization needs for quantum computing, quantum communication and quantum metrology.

This Position Paper has been prepared by CEN and CENELEC in reply to the European Commission’s consultation on past, present and future European R&I programmes with the aim of providing input on pre-normative research needs which could contribute to shaping the strategic orientations for the Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2025-2027.

Critical Raw Materials play an important role in today’s global economy. Minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and copper are essential components in a wide set of strategic sectors, including the net zero industry, the digital industry, aerospace, and defence sectors. For this reason, they are fundamental to ensure the long-term success of the European Union’s strategic priorities, such as the twin digital and green transitions and its strategic autonomy.

On the 16th of March, the European Commission released the proposal for the Net-Zero Industry Act. CEN and CENELEC welcome the Commission’s proposal to strengthen European Green Industry and are excited to see how standardization can continue to foster innovation in clean technologies.

The twin green and digital transitions open new opportunities for the European economy and for European citizens. But does Europe have what it takes? How can we make sure that it has the skills and the workforce to remain competitive in the global economy? And what is the role of standardization?

The European Commission has published a new Code of Practice on standardization for researchers. The Code provides a set of recommendations to beneficiaries of public-funded research and innovation programmes on how to valorise project results through standardization. The recommendations also target universities and public research organizations, policymakers, and standard development organizations (SDOs).

CEN and CENELEC have been shocked by the devastation and terrible loss of life from the earthquake that hit Türkiye and Syria last 6 February. On behalf of all the CEN and CENELEC community, we express our solidarity with all those in the region who suffered because of this disaster and with all citizens who have lost so much at this tragic time.

This Valentine’s Day, CEN and CENELEC celebrate 30 years of the Single Market by looking at the European standards that bring us love and connection.