A European standardisation system fit for global influence

Executive summary

The European standardisation system is a successful example of a public–private partnership where roles are clearly defined, and technical expertise drives outcomes. The separation between legislative and standardisation processes has allowed industry-led standards development to keep pace with innovation, whilst safeguarding the single market’s core objective: the free movement of goods.

The Standardisation Regulation has proven effective in supporting harmonised standards across Europe.1 These standards have facilitated faster market access, reduced compliance costs and ensured legal certainty for businesses across the European Economic Area.

Whilst there is merit in reviewing how the system operates, the real challenges lie not in the legal framework itself but in how it is implemented. This paper identifies concrete, practical reforms that should guide the upcoming review, focused on concrete operational fixes.

Key priorities include:

• Improving strategic coordination, particularly by using existing structures such as the Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP) and the High-Level Forum;
• Addressing delays in the citation of harmonised standards and reducing divergence from international norms. Reforms should include a clearer, faster process for assessing standards, more effective reuse of international specifications and a modular approach to standard-setting that aligns with digital innovation cycles; and
• Establishing a sustainable funding mechanism to support the publication and public availability of harmonised standards, whilst fairly compensating copyright holders.

Above all, the EU must resist the urge to redesign what already works. A new agency would add complexity without solving the real problems. What’s needed is a renewed commitment to coordination, clarity and

implementation, allowing Europe’s standardisation system to continue delivering trusted, globally relevant standards.