NEWS

The European Commission continues to publish new reports from the High-Level Forum on European Standardization’s workstreams. The new reports include recommendations on standardization in different fields and how they can support the relevant sectors across Europe.

The European Commission published three reports from the High-Level Forum on European Standardization’s workstreams: Workstream 7 on Wind Power, Workstream 14 on Data Interoperability, and Workstream 15 on Critical Raw Materials. The three reports include recommendations on standardization in the three different fields and how they can support the relevant sectors across Europe.

CEN and CENELEC welcome the  European Commission‘s proposal for the Critical Raw Materials Act, published 16 March 2023 and the aim to reinforce EU monitoring capacities and strengthen both the EU value chain (through the identification of mineral resources and raw materials projects in the EU's strategic interest, with strong environmental protection) and the EU external policies on CRMs. The CRMA has provided several references to the of use European Standards, how to make the relationship with international standards and what resources can be allocated to support these activities.

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.