CEN – European Committee for StandardisationCENELEC – European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardisation

CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012 I 1

IN THIS ISSUE:

NewsEuropean Parliament to approve new framework 02Dialogue on the Horizon 2020 programme 03Survey shows how standards improve quality of services 04Workshop on standardisation and certification of services 05Workshops for SMEs 06New network of research and innovation correspondents 07Membership application 07Bulgaria hosts European Standardisation Summit 08Societal Stakeholders 08Latest developments 09

Press releases 10

Policy Opinions 10

TechnicalSmart Grids and Smart Meters 11e-Mobility standards 12e-Business standards 13Safety requirements for consumer products 14EcoDesign of energy-related products 15Geographic information 16Urban rail networks 17Solid Recovered Fuels 17RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) 18List of European Mandates 18

External RelationsCooperation with Canada 19New CENELEC Affiliate 19Cooperation with Gulf States 20NDRC visit to Brussels 20New ERC Chairman 20

Director General’s ForewordSpring is traditionally an optimistic time of year, when we celebrate new life and look forward to warmer weather. However, it is not easy to be optimistic when one is surrounded by gloomy news, especially regarding the economic situation in Europe.

The current context presents particular challenges for standards organisations. We have to show how standardisation supports European industry, and how standards add value to businesses – both big and small. At the same time, we must find ways of

becoming more efficient and more effective, while continuing to meet the needs of all our stakeholders. Meeting these challenges requires commitment and determination, as well as creativity and a positive spirit!

The proposed new regulation on European standardisation should provide us with a chance to strengthen and streamline the system. I was pleased to see that the European Parliament has taken some of our concerns and priorities into account, although there are still parts of the draft text that could be improved. In particular, we need to highlight the benefits for the single market of market-driven voluntary standards in relation to services, while making sure that the new regulation will not lead to higher costs and excessive administrative burdens.

We are also closely following the revision of European legislation in relation to public procurement, with three EU directives currently in the pipeline. There is a clear need for greater coherence and support for using European Standards as a tool to facilitate compliance with EU legislation. Once again it shows the need for us to educate decision-makers about the benefits of standards in general and the strengths of the European standardisation system in particular.

In order to meet all of these challenges we must deepen the collaboration between CEN and CENELEC – which has been made more visible with the launch of our new joint website (www.cencenelec.eu) – whilst also continuing our cooperation with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). This year we will consult our members on the development of a joint European Standardisation Strategy, which should be finalised in 2013.

CEN and CENELEC are currently busy with preparations for the first European Standardisation Summit, focusing on how standards can contribute to a sustainable economy. This event will be hosted by the Bulgarian Institute for Standardisation (BDS) on 7 June. I hope that many of you will be able to join us for this exciting event, and look forward to seeing you in Albena!

Elena Santiago Cid CEN-CENELEC Director General

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NEWS

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT ON TRACK TO APPROVE NEW LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

© Gerry Balding

European Parliament in Strasbourg

Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have been discussing the Proposal for a Regulation on European standardisation (COM(2011)315), which was published by the European Commission in June 2011. Before it can become legally applicable, the proposed regulation has to be formally approved by both the Parliament and the Council of the European Union (or ‘Council of Ministers’). In the meantime, both institutions have the ability to make changes to the text of the draft regulation.

The Commission intends to build on the most successful features of the European standardisation system, including the automatic acceptance of European Standards in all the countries of the European Economic Area. The proposals emphasise the need to encourage more standardisation in relation to services, as a means of strengthening the single market, as well as the need to promote and support the part ic ipat ion of small businesses (SMEs) and societal stakeholders in standardisation activities.

In the European Parliament, the Committee on the Internal Market and Consumer Protection (IMCO) has been in charge of preparing the Parliament’s response to the Commission’s proposal, including the

amendments that MEPs would like to make to the text. On 21 March, the IMCO committee adopted a report drafted by Italian MEP Lara Comi. In the final vote the report won almost unanimous approval, with 36 votes in favour and 2 abstentions.

The text adopted by the IMCO committee sets out a series of changes to the text of the draft regulation. These amendments are based on requests made by the European Standards Organisations and other interested stakeholders during contacts with Ms Comi and several other MEPs, including a lunchtime discussion in Brussels on 2 February. They also take into account opinions produced by the European Parliament’s committees on International Trade (INTA) and Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

Commenting on the adoption of her report in the IMCO committee, Lara Comi said that MEPs had "strengthened the rules that allow the participation of organisations representing the social interests of consumers - with due care for disabled people - unions, environmental organisations and for SMEs".

The text adopted by the IMCO committee still has to be formally approved by the whole of the European Parliament, and is

due to be voted on at the plenary session in Strasbourg in the beginning of July. It is possible that further amendments could be approved at this stage.

CEN and CENELEC are concerned that some MEPs seem to lack an adequate understanding of how voluntary standards are different from legally-binding legislation, and as a result they have reservations regarding the expansion of standardisation in relation to services.

Another area of concern is the issue of how to support the participation of SMEs and societal stakeholders without creating additional costs and administrative burdens which could have negative consequences in terms of the efficiency and responsiveness of the standardisation system.

Denmark currently holds the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, which also has to formally adopt the regulation and agree with any amendments to the text. Formal negotiations between the Commission, Council and Parliament should be launched in the coming weeks.

CEN and CENELEC will continue to closely follow the progress of this legislation and the negotiations between the EU institutions, and will keep their members informed of any significant developments.

European Commission: Standardisation package (June 2011)

European Parliament: Report on European Standardisation

John KetchellStrategic Adviser

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NEWS

DIALOGUE ON THE HORIZON 2020 PROGRAMME FOR RESEARCH AND INNOVATION

At the end of November 2011, the European Commission published its proposals for the next EU programme on research and innovation. Horizon 2020 will follow-on from the 7th Framework Programme (FP7), with an increased emphasis on innovation alongside research and development.

Horizon 2020 will bring together all EU research and innovation funding under a single programme for the first time. The Commission is asking for a total budget of around €80 billion over seven years for the new programme, which is due to be launched at the start of 2014.

According to the Commission, Horizon 2020 will focus on turning scientific breakthroughs into innovative products and services that provide business opportunities and improve people’s lives. The aim is to make Europe a more attractive place to carry out research and invest in innovation.

The new programme will have three main objectives: supporting excellent science; promoting industrial leadership; and addressing societal challenges such as climate change, sustainable mobility, renewable energy, food safety and security, and coping with an ageing population.

The European standards organisations are actively contributing to the debate around the Commission’s proposals for a new programme on research and innovation. They are engaging in dialogue with the EU institutions in order to highlight how standardisation provides a bridge between research, innovation and the market, thereby boosting growth and jobs.

In February, the Director General of CEN and CENELEC, Elena Santiago Cid, wrote to the EU Commissioner for Research, Innovation

and Science, Máire Geoghegan-Quinn, in order to underline the contribution that standardisation can make to the objectives of the ‘Innovation Union’ initiative in the framework of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy, and especially to the priorities of the Horizon 2020 programme.

CEN and CENELEC are convinced that standardisation can contribute to all three key priorities of Horizon 2020: supporting excellent science by facilitating collaborative research projects; promoting industrial leadership by enabling the market uptake of innovative ideas; and addressing societal challenges by providing a practical means of bringing best practices to the widest possible range of stakeholders.

The standards organisations are calling on the Commission to include standardisation in the work programmes of Horizon 2020, and to mention opportunities for developing new standards in calls for proposals. This would make it more likely that research and innovation projects supported under the programme will be integrated with standardisation activities.

The Commission’s proposals for Horizon 2020 are being examined and discussed by the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE).

Wishing to inform and influence these ongoing discussions, CEN and CENELEC together with DIN (the German member of CEN) organised a meeting in Brussels on 28 February with several Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), including Christian Ehler and Maria Da Graça Carvalho, who are two of the MEPs in charge of preparing the Parliament’s response to the Commission’s proposals.

The meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels was an opportunity for constructive dialogue between MEPs and European Standards Organisations (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI), as well as representatives of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU, and the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry, and the Joint Research Centre). The event was also attended by representatives of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA), national standards organisations and various other stakeholders.

For more information see the CEN-CENELEC website and the Horizon 2020 homepage

Andreea GulacsiUnit Manager

Research Integration

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Adam Gierek MEP speaking at the European Parliament in Brussels on 28 February 2012

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4 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

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SURVEY SHOWS HOW BUSINESSES USE STANDARDS TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF SERVICES

Businesses across the whole of Europe are using European Standards as a means to improve the quality of the services they provide, and also to demonstrate the quality of these services to potential customers. This has been confirmed by the results of a survey of businesses and other stakeholders regarding the use and implementation of European and national standards relating to services.

The results of the Europe-wide survey are presented in a ‘Study on the implementation of service standards and their impact on service providers and users’, which has been published by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). The study was commissioned by CEN and carried out during 2011 by the Technopolis Group.

The survey results are based on the responses to a questionnaire that was circulated via National Standards Bodies and completed by 466 respondents across 28 European countries. Nearly two-thirds (65%) of the respondents were businesses involved in providing services and more than a quarter (26%) were small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The majority (93%) of respondents stated that they are aware of European and/or national standards relevant to the sector in which they are active, and 84% are making use of these standards.

Each respondent was asked about the benefits that their own business or organisation gets from using service-related standards. Almost all (95%) of the respondents agreed that “improved service quality” and an “improved ability to demonstrate service quality to customers” are among the benefits of using standards,

and most (over 60%) agreed that these are “major benefits”. Significantly, more than 75% of the small companies (SMEs) taking part in the survey agreed that these two outcomes are major benefits of using standards related to services.

Further benefits identified by users of service-related standards include:

ÄÄ Increased customer satisfaction (identified as a benefit by 89% of respondents)

ÄÄ Increased confidence in service providers (86%)

ÄÄ Increased transparency of the services provided (86%)

ÄÄ Improved common definitions / terminology (86%)

ÄÄ Improved contractual relationships (83%)

ÄÄ Improved ability to meet legislative / regulatory requirements (81%)

ÄÄ Improved use of performance indicators (81%)

ÄÄ Improved ability to compare different service offers / providers (77%)

ÄÄ Improved ability to meet health and safety requirements (76%)

ÄÄ Increased market share (52%)

ÄÄ Increased profitability (51%)

ÄÄ Improved ability to export services (cross-border trade) (50%)

Most of the respondents (69%) and more than 80% of small companies (SMEs) taking part in the survey are making reference to their use of standards when advertising their services.

Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC, welcomed the findings of the survey and the publication of the study on the implementation of service standards: “The results of this Europe-wide survey confirm that the people who actually use and implement standards for services are seeing major benefits in terms of the higher quality of their services, as well as greater levels of consumer confidence and customer satisfaction. I am especially pleased that small and medium-sized companies are finding that standards help them to improve the quality of their services and also to market these services to potential customers.”

“We know that standards play a crucial role in helping businesses to grow and facilitating trade - both within Europe and globally. This new study proves that standardisation can bring benefits not only for physical products but also in relation to services,” said Mrs Santiago Cid.

CEN Study on European service Standards and their impact on service users and providers

Further information about standardisation of services can be found on the CEN website

The need to develop more standards in relation to services is highlighted in the European Commission’s Standardisation Package (June 2011).

Alina IatanProgramme Manager

Sustainability & Services

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NEWS

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a workshop in October 2012 in order to gather stakeholders views’ on which services are in need of European Standards.

Heidi Rühle, a Member of the European Parliament from Germany, presented the position of the IMCO committee on the standardisation package (see page 2) and her views on the proposed regulation. While recognising the importance of standards in driving the single market, Ms Rühle pointed out several aspects to be taken into consideration when regulating the standardisation of services. She said that the Parliament wants to ensure the involvement of a wide range of stakeholders in the development of work programmes and mandates, and also encourage the participation of SMEs in standardisation work.

There was also a presentation from a representative of CEN and CENELEC regarding the benefits of the Keymark as a pan-European alternative to national certification schemes.

During the discussion many participants noted that there is a growing trend towards the mobility and cross-border trade of services in the single market, particularly in certain sectors (such as tourism, transport and security) where there would be a potential for developing new standards at European level.

All of the presentations can be found on the website of Nordic Innovation.

Further information about standards for services and the Keymark scheme can be found on the CEN website.

Hoang LiauwProject Manager

Legal Affairs

WORKSHOP ON STANDARDISATION AND CERTIFICATION OF SERVICES IN THE SINGLE MARKET

A workshop on “Harmonisation or fragmentation in the Single Market for services? The Role of Certification linked to standardisation” was organised by the secretariat of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the innovation agency of the five Nordic countries (Nordic Innovation) in Brussels on 1 March.

This workshop was attended by representatives of CEN and CENELEC, the European Commission, the European Parliament, and other European organisations interested in the standardisation and certification of services, as well as national standards organisations.

The aim of the workshop was to examine the issue of standardisation and certification in relation to services, and how to ensure Europe-wide recognition of certification schemes. Participants were informed about the conclusions of a number of studies commissioned by EFTA and Nordic Innovation.

The EU Services Directive (2006/123/EC) has the aim of developing a Single Market for services in Europe. Article 26 of this Directive recommends certification as a way to increase the quality of services, create trust among service providers and distinguish between good and bad service providers. However, certification schemes operated at national level without cross-border recognition can lead to the creation of non-tariff barriers to trade. Until now, no CE marking for services has been developed but this – or a similar approach – might be considered useful as a means of ensuring cross-border recognition of service providers.

James Stroyan of Technopolis presented the main outcomes of the study on standards for services that was carried out during 2011 on

behalf of CEN (see also page 4). This study looks at the implementation of 435 service-related standards (55 European and 380 national) in the 27 EU and 4 EFTA member states plus Croatia. Technopolis identified the existence of 163 certification schemes operating at national level. The majority of these schemes are operated by certification bodies linked to CEN members.

According to the results of the CEN/Technopolis study, certification schemes have up unti l now been developed for around 26% of all service-related standards. More new service standards are being developed at national level than at European level, and there is an expectation that the number of certification schemes will increase, notably in relation to security services, transport and call centres.

An official from the European Commission, Jacques McMillan (DG Enterprise and Industry) said that in his view the regulatory approach for services should be the same as that for products. He insisted that the standardisation and certification of services should be led by those industries that need them in order to prevent fragmentation of the market. The EU should promote standardisation as a means of improving the quality of services, but not necessarily insist on having certification schemes.

Another Commission official, Konstantinos Dimitriadis (DG Internal Market and Services) highlighted the importance of the standardisation package (June 2011) for the Single Market in the field of services and pointed out that the proposed regulation would provide an opportunity for launching a policy on the standardisation of services. He said that the Commission would organise

6 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

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WORKSHOPS ENABLE SMALL BUSINESSES TO LEARN ABOUT STANDARDISATION

CEN and CENELEC members are organising a ser ies of nat ional workshops for representatives of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The purpose of these workshops is to raise awareness of standardisation among associations representing SMEs and encourage them to get involved in standardisation activities.

According to the European Commission, some 99% of all the businesses in Europe are SMEs. They provide some 70% of all jobs in the private sector and contribute to more than half of the total value-added created by businesses in the EU. However, SMEs are often under-represented in standardisation activities, and in many cases do not understand how standards are relevant for their business.

Starting in May 2012, workshops will be organised in 19 EU and EFTA countries to strengthen and stimulate the involvement of SMEs in European standardisation. SMEs and associations representing SMEs will learn how using standards and participating in standardisation activities can help their businesses. Examples of good practice from various European countries will be presented.

The first SME workshop will take place in the Netherlands (The Hague) on 24 and 25 May, followed by similar events in Switzerland (19-20 June), Italy (27-28 September), Austria (7-8 November), and Greece (22-23 November). Further workshops are due to be held in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

These workshops are being organised part of the SME Standardisation Toolkit (SMEST 2) project that started in January 2011. This project aims to strengthen and promote the links between SMEs and standardisation in terms of awareness, information and participation. The project started with the improvement of the original SMEST that was introduced in 2009.

The SMEST 2 project is being supported by the EU and EFTA and is managed by a consortium including CEN, CENELEC, NORMAPME (European Office of Crafts, Trades and Small and Medium sized Enterprises for Standardisation) and the National Standards Bodies of Austria (ASI), Germany (DIN) and The Netherlands (NEN).

SMEST gives standards organisations and associations representing SMEs access to information and practical examples for how to stimulate and strengthen SMEs’ involvement in European standardisation. It also offers a platform to exchange knowledge, experience and best practices. A leaflet presenting a series of specific recommendations on how to improve the cooperation between standards organisations and SME associations will be made available in 27 languages.

The improved toolkit will be discussed with national standards organisations in 19 EU and EFTA Countries, during workshops that will take place in conjunction with the workshops for SMEs. The workshops are being organised by the SMEST 2 project partners with the support of national standards organisations and national associations representing SMEs.

For more information see the SMEST website: www.smest.eu

Guido De JonghProgramme Manager

Innovation

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SMES AND STANDARDS: INFORMATION, ADVICE AND SUPPORT

CEN and CENELEC produce a monthly newsletter especially for SMEs, with all the latest information on new publications, SME-related events and other relevant developments. You can sign-up for a free subscription (via email) and download previous issues from the CEN-CENELEC website.

CEN and CENELEC members have established 12 dedicated National SME Helpdesks, which provide support to SMEs by answering questions about standards.

The CEN-CENELEC SME Helpdesk also provides advice regarding standardisation activities at European level.

There is now an online network for anyone who is interested in SMEs and standardisation at European level. This group is open to everyone as part of the Linkedin website.

Helene Hennico SME contact point

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The launch meeting of RDI-COR, the new network of CEN and CENELEC Research, Development and Innovation Correspondents, took place in Brussels on 25 January. This new informal network has been created in the framework of STAIR (STAndards Innovation and Research), with the aim of bridging the gap between research, development and innovation (RDI) activities and standardisation at an operational level.

RDI-COR will work in close cooperation with the Research Integration Unit at the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre (CCMC), in order to identify project opportunities within FP7, the current EU Framework Programme for research and innovation.

In order to help the national members of CEN and CENELEC get ready for the next waves of calls under FP7 (July 2012) and Horizon 2020 (which will be launched in 2014), the CCMC Research Integration Unit is developing a set of information materials explaining how standards organisations can actively engage with EU research and innovation projects.

NEW NETWORK OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION CORRESPONDENTS LAUNCHED

Peter Dröll, Head of Unit for Innovation Policy at the Directorate General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission, explained at the RDI COR meeting that standardisation is part of the innovation ecosystem. Standardisation is expected to be more important in the next EU programme for research and innovation, Horizon 2020, which will enter into force in 2014.

RDI-COR will meet twice a year to share information and best practices regarding

engagement with and participation in EU research and innovation projects. The next meeting will take place on 11 September and will focus on the new calls for proposals under FP7.

More information is available on the CEN-CENELEC website.

NEWS

Ségolène MartinProgramme ManagerResearch Integration

From left to right: Philippe Humbert, ILNAS (Standardisation and Accreditation Institute of Luxembourg); Agnieszka Skonieczna, Policy Officer - Innovation Policy, European Commission; Peter Dröll, Head of Unit - Innovation Policy, European Commission; Ashok Ganesh, Director of Innovation, CCMC.

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STANDARDIZATION INSTITUTE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA (ISRM) APPLIES FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP OF CEN AND CENELEC

The Standardization Institute of the Republic of Macedonia (ISRM) has applied to become a full member of CEN and CENELEC. The ISRM became a partner standardisation body (PSB) of CEN in 2003 (affiliate since 2008) and has also been an affiliate of CENELEC since 2005. The application is currently being assessed

in order to check that ISRM fulfils all the criteria for membership of CEN and CENELEC.

The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was granted candidate country status for EU membership in 2005. A visa facilitation agreement and readmission agreement with

the EU has been in force since 1 January 2008. An Accession Partnership between the EU and the Republic was adopted by the Council of the EU in February 2008, updating the previous European Partnership of January 2006.

www.isrm.gov.mk

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8 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

NEWS

BULGARIA HOSTS THE FIRST EUROPEAN STANDARDISATION SUMMIT ON 7 JUNE 2012

CEN and CENELEC have taken the initiative to organise the first European Standardisation Summit, which will be hosted by the Bulgarian Institute for Standardisation (BDS) in Albena, Bulgaria, on 7 June 2012. This event is a high-level conference intended especially for the leaders and senior executives of organisations that are either involved in or interested in European standardisation.

The European Standardisation Summit 2012 will focus on the theme ‘Towards a sustainable economy’. How can standards contribute to the development of a more resilient and sustainable economy, which respects limits to natural resources and contributes to the creation of a fairer society?

Participants will be invited to consider and discuss the role of standardisation in terms of creating a ‘Resource Efficient Europe’, which is one of the seven flagship initiatives being developed by the European Union in the framework of the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy.

The summit programme includes a panel discussion with special guests including: Karl Falkenberg, Director-General for Environment at the European Commission; Boris Aleshin, President of ISO (International Organization for Standardization); Klaus Wucherer, President of IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission); Dirk Weiler, President of ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute); and Freek Van Eijk, Director of Strategy and Public Affairs of SITA, a recycling and resource management company.

The European Standardisation Summit will take place at the Flamingo Grand Hotel in the resort of Albena on Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, which is 30 km from Varna airport (VAR). This venue will also host the 52nd CENELEC General Assembly (on 6 June) and the 38th CEN General Assembly (on 7 June).

For more information, please see the CEN-CENELEC webs i te o r contac t Malgorzata Bratkrajc at the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre in Brussels.

CEN AND CENELEC DEEPEN DIALOGUE WITH SOCIETAL STAKEHOLDERS

The CEN-CENELEC Societal Stakeholders’ Group (SSG) has been set up with the task of providing advice to the Presidential Committee in the form of recommendations or proposals on specific matters relating to the participation and status of societal stakeholders within the CEN and CENELEC system. The first meeting of the SSG took place in Brussels on 20 January 2012.

The SSG is chaired by Mike Low (Vice-President Policy of CEN) and includes

representatives of the European societal stakeholder organisations which cooperate with CEN and CENELEC. These are ANEC (the European consumer voice in standardisation), ECOS (European Environmental Citizens’ Organisation for Standardisation) and ETUI (European Trade Union Institute).

One of the first objectives of the group is the development of a ser ies of recommendations relevant for societal stakeholders and an online toolbox for the

implementation of these recommendations. There is also the intention to carry out a survey of all CEN and CENELEC members to find out what they are already doing to encourage the participation of societal stakeholders.

The next meeting of the Societal Stakeholders Group will take place on 11 May 2012.

Cinzia MissiroliUnit Manager

Sustainability & Services

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NEWS

CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012 I 9

ECOS WELCOMES NEW SECRETARY GENERAL

CEN and CENELEC would l ike to congratulate Laura Degallaix on her appointment as the new Secretary General of ECOS, the European Environmental Citizens’ Organisation for Standardisation. We understand that she is due to take up this position as from 2 May 2012.

Ms Degallaix is very familiar with the European standardisation system having

spent the past two years working for ANEC, the European Consumer Voice in Standardisation, where she was Programme Manager for the Environment and Services sectors. Previously she was Head of the Environment and Safety Department of BEUC, the European Consumers’ Organisation.

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NEW DIRECTOR GENERAL OF DG ENTERPRISE AND INDUSTRY

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In the European Commission, Daniel Calleja Crespo has been appointed as Director General of DG Enterprise and Industry (since 1 February). Mr Calleja was previously the Deputy Director General of DG Enterprise and Industry (since February 2011). He is also the European Commission’s Special Envoy for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

Mr Calleja has been working for the European Commission since 1986. He has held a number of senior posts in the European Commission including Head of Cabinet for the Commissioner responsible for institutional affairs (1995-1999), Head of Cabinet of the Vice-president responsible for Transport and Energy (1999-2004), and Director in charge of Air Transport (2004-2011).

CEN AND CENELEC LAUNCH NEW JOINT WEBSITE

The new joint website of CEN and CENELEC – www.cencenelec.eu – has been online since January. This new website complements the existing websites of CEN and CENELEC by providing easy access to general information about European Standards. It is intended to serve as a starting point for anyone who wants to learn about or participate in the European standardisation system. More detailed information about specific sectors can still

be found on the CEN website and on the CENELEC website.

Elena Santiago Cid, the Director General of CEN and CENELEC, recorded a special video message for the launch of the new website. “We hope that the new CEN-CENELEC website will be a useful source of information for everyone who wants to know about standards – what they are, why we need them and how to use them,”

said Mrs Santiago Cid. “We also want to make it easier for people to learn about how standards are being developed, and how various stakeholders can contribute to this process.”

www.cencenelec.eu

Celine OeyenAdministrator (Interactive Media)

Communication

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10 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

PRESS RELEASES

LATEST PRESS RELEASES ISSUED BY CEN AND CENELEC

Ä New website offers easy access to information on European Standards (2012-01-18)

Ä CEN eBIZ Workshop to develop eBusiness solutions for Europe’s fashion industry (2012-01-24)

Ä Survey confirms that European Standards help businesses to improve quality of services (2012-02-02)

Ä New framework for testing e-business standards (2012-02-07)

Ä Closer cooperation between standards organisations of Europe and Canada (2012-02-17)

Ä Dialogue on Horizon 2020 highlights how standardization supports research and innovation in the EU (2012-02-28)

Ä European standards organisations make progress towards Smart Grid standards and reference architecture (2012-03-09)

POLICY OPINIONS

LATEST POLICY OPINIONS ISSUED BY CEN AND CENELEC

Ä CEN-CENELEC proposals for amendments to the draft IMCO report on the EC draft Regulation on European Standardisation (2012-01-31)

Ä CEN-CENELEC response to the European Commission’s Public Consultation with a view to a European Accessibility Act (2012-03-02)

Ä CEN-CENELEC response to the European Commission's Public Consultation "Lighting the Future – Accelerating the deployment of innovative lighting technologies" (2012-03-15)

Ä CEN-CENELEC response to the European Commission’s Public Consultation on the revision of Directive 2009/142/EC on appliances burning gaseous fuels (GAD) (2012-03-30)

Ä CEN-CENELEC response to the European Commission’s Public Consultation on the Green paper - Towards an integrated European Market for card, internet and mobile payments (2012-04-05)

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TECHNICAL NEWS

SMART GRIDS: ESOs WORKING TOGETHER ON JOINT SOLUTIONS

The three European Standards Organisations (ESOs) – CEN, CENELEC and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) – are working together to develop standards for the next generation of electricity networks, known as ‘Smart Grids’.

According to the European Commission, smart electricity grids should reduce CO2 emissions by 9% and household energy consumption by 10%. They will also facilitate the expansion of renewable energy including micro-generation of electricity using solar (photovoltaic) panels and wind turbines.

The ESOs have been tasked by the European Commission (under standardisation mandate M/490 –accepted in June 2011) to deliver a technical reference architecture for smart grids, a set of consistent standards to support information exchange and the

integration of operators, and sustainable standardisation processes and collaborative tools to enable stakeholder interaction.

The ESOs have set up a Smart Grid Coordination Group (SG-CG) with four working groups focusing on the main elements of the mandate. In accordance with the calendar agreed with the European Commission, the SG-CG already produced in 2011 a list of standardisation gaps and associated priorities, as well as a programme for standardisation work.

A delegation from the SG-CG met with European Commission officials and business representatives on 8 March to present two further interim reports: on the proposed technical reference architecture for smart grids, and on sustainable standardisation processes.

The SG-CG is continuing to work on the various aspects specified in the mandate from the Commission, and is aiming to present a first set of standards for smart grids, as well as a report covering data security and privacy issues, by the end of 2012.

For more information please see the relevant pages on the CEN website, the CENELEC website, and the ETSI website

Information about EU activities related to Smart Grids can be found on the website of the European Commission (DG Energy)

Catherine VigneronProgramme Manager

Industry, Technology & Infrastructure

SMART METERS: NEW STANDARDS BEING DEVELOPED

The European Standards Organisations (ESOs) - CEN, CENELEC and ETSI - have been working together on standardisation issues linked to the development and implementation of smart metering systems for the supply of electricity, gas, water and heat to households and businesses.

This work has been undertaken in the framework of mandate M/441 that was issued by the European Commission in 2009. The first phase of this mandate requests the ESOs to identify the main possible functional communication implementations relevant for smart metering systems and the standards needed to meet these

requirements, in particular to enable the active participation of consumers.

In order to carry out the requested work in an efficient and timely manner – CEN, CENELEC and ETSI decided to combine their expertise and resources by establishing the Smart Meters Coordination Group (SM-CG), with the participation of relevant stakeholders.

The Technical Report on a "Functional reference architecture for communications in smart metering systems" (CEN-CLC-ETSI TR 50572) is the result of the work carried out during 2010 and 2011.

The second phase of EC Mandate M/441 is currently being undertaken by the relevant technical committees of the three ESOs, which are drafting and/or revising standards containing harmonised solutions for additional functionalities to electricity, gas, water and heat meters.

More information on smart meters can be found on the CEN website and the CENELEC website.

Catherine VigneronProgramme Manager

Industry, Technology & Infrastructure

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12 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

TECHNICAL NEWS

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: SETTING STANDARDS FOR E-MOBILITY

Standardised charging points will encourage more companies and customers to invest in electric vehicles.

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Public authorities at all levels are actively promoting electric vehicles as a way to reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution from motor vehicles. At the same time, vehicle manufacturers and transport operators are investing in electric technology to make the most of renewable energy sources and smart grids, and offer their customers an affordable alternative to oil-based fuels such as petrol and diesel.

In this context, the European Union wishes to encourage the deployment of charging infrastructures for electric vehicles. There

is wide recognition that relevant standards are needed at European level in order to create the conditions for mass-market take-up of electric vehicles.

In June 2010, the European Commission issued mandate M/468 to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI concerning the charging of electric vehicles. This mandate invites the ESOs to review existing standards and/or develop new European standards in order to ensure interoperability and connectivity between the electricity supply point and the charger of electric vehicles, but also

between the (on board) charger of the electric vehicle (EV) and the EV and its removable battery.

As a first step, CEN and CENELEC established a Focus Group on European Electro-Mobility which produced in October 2011 a strategic and technically-oriented report that represents the specific standardisation requirements for European electro-mobility. The document covers the revision of existing standards, as well as ongoing and future standardisation activities.

The CEN-CENELEC eMobility Coordination Group (eM-CG), chaired by David Dossett, the CENELEC President, held its first meeting in Brussels on 23 March 2012. This group includes representatives of CEN and CENELEC members, organisations representing relevant sectors (automotive industry, utilities, consumers, etc.) and the European Commission, who have agreed to work together on reaching the objectives described in mandate M/468.

The eM-CG is responsible for making sure that standards necessary for eMobility are being dealt with in a coherent manner by the relevant technical bodies. The group will also follow the progress of the relevant standardisation work within IEC and ISO and ensure liaison between European activities and those at the international (global) level.

Further information on eMobility can be found on the CEN website and the CENELEC website.

Catherine VigneronProgramme Manager

Industry, Technology & Infrastructure

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CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012 I 13

TECHNICAL NEWS

NEW FRAMEWORK FOR TESTING E-BUSINESS APPLICATIONS

Testing is vital for the implementation of e-business applications, as it enables companies to ensure that they comply with relevant standards and achieve interoperability – so they can connect with customers and suppliers. In order to address this need, CEN has published a Workshop Agreement that provides a framework for e-business testing.

The Global e-Business Interoperability Test Bed (GITB) project, launched in 2007, has developed a comprehensive testing framework to assess e-business applications in terms of their compliance with standards and interoperability.

GITB is a global initiative hosted by CEN and supported by the European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Partners in the project include

industry and technology stakeholders from Europe, Asia and North America such as NIST (National Institute for Standards and Technology, USA), KORBIT (Korean gateway for e-business), AIAG (Automotive Industry Action Group) and OAGi (Open Applications Group).

The publication of a CEN Workshop Agreement (CWA 16408) marks the end of Phase 2 of the GITB project. The document sets out the key components of a global e-business interoperability test bed infrastructure as well as the outline of a testing methodology. It proposes a testing framework based on the modularity and reusability of the required testing capabilities.

The agreement also shows how the testing framework can be implemented in practice, with reference to three specific cases related to the automotive industry

(Materials Off-Shore Sourcing), healthcare (HL7 v3 Scenarios and Clinical Document Architecture), and public procurement (PEPPOL).

Information about standardisation activities related to e-Business can be found on the CEN website.

The CEN Workshop Agreement ‘Testing F ramework fo r G loba l eBus ine s s Interoperability Test Beds (GITB)’ (CWA 16408) can be downloaded from the CEN website (free of charge).

For more information about the GITB project see: www.ebusiness-testbed.eu

Alain DechampsProgramme Manager

Industry, Technology & Infrastructure

E-BIZ WORKSHOP DEVELOPS SOLUTIONS FOR FASHION INDUSTRY

The new CEN Workshop eBIZ will provide a framework for stakeholders and experts to develop solutions for boosting the use of e-business and improving the interoperability of B2B (Business-to-Business) data exchange through the supply chain of the fashion industry – including textiles, clothing and footwear (TCF).

The CEN Workshop eBIZ is an initiative of EURATEX (the European apparel and textile confederation), ENEA (Italian National Agency for new technologies, energy and sustainable economic development) and partners of the eBIZ-TCF project.

Launched by the European Commission in 2008, the eBIZ-TCF project has proved the benefits of interoperability in digital communications along the supply chain, particularly in terms of reducing costs, improving efficiency, facilitating the introduction of new services and reducing the time-to-market for fashion goods.

In the framework of CEN, the eBIZ Workshop wil l provide in the next 18 months a forum for all concerned stakeholders to reach agreement on the future of e-Business communications in the fashion industry, including interoperable

e-Business communication protocols and data exchange formats.

The kick-off meeting for the eBIZ Workshop took place in Brussels on 29 March 2012.

Information about the eBIZ-TCF project can be found on the website: http://ebiz-tcf.eu

More information about the eBIZ Workshop can be found on the CEN website

Karolina Krzystek Programme Manager

Sustainability & Services

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14 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

TECHNICAL NEWS

INTERNATIONAL ALIGNMENT OF SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSUMER PRODUCTS

Since the beginning of 2011, the European Commission’s Directorate General for Health and Consumers (DG SANCO) has been working in cooperation with the safety regulators of Australia, Canada and the USA in the framework of an International Pilot Alignment Initiative (PAI) on Safety Requirements for Selected Consumer Products.

The objective of this pilot initiative is to work toward the alignment of views among the four participating jurisdictions regarding the risks and hazards posed by three specific types of product: window

blinds/coverings, baby slings and chair-top booster seats for children. There is also the aim of harmonising safety requirements for the three types of products, which are currently subject to various regulatory and voluntary requirements that are different in each jurisdiction.

In the long run the intention of the jurisdictions involved is global harmonisation of, not only safety requirements, but also international standards for these products realised in the framework of ISO. The overall aim is to reduce the numbers of accidents linked with these types of products.

The responsible safety authorities of Australia, Canada, the EU and the USA are facilitating the exchange of information between experts leading to the development of recommendations based on consensus. Each jurisdiction will be free to choose its own model of implementation of these recommendations, either through regulation or through voluntary standardisation.

In the EU, the recommendations on safety requirements for these three types of products will be implemented through standardisation. European Standards will be developed by CEN Technical Bodies based on mandates issued by the European Commission referring to minimum safety requirements agreed by the Member States. In order to support the international alignment of standards, CEN will consider offering the European Standards developed in its framework to ISO through the collaboration mechanism established under the Vienna Agreement.

Currently two CEN Technical Bodies, CEN/TC 33 (Doors, windows, shutters, building hardware and walling) and CEN/TC 252

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Relevant European Standards

Window Blinds/Coverings

EN 13120 Internal blinds – Performance requirements including safety (under revision)

Children’s Chair-top Booster SeatsEN 1272 Child care articles - Table mounted chairs - Safety requirements and test methods

prEN 16120 Child use and care articles - Chair mounted seat

Baby SlingsSlings and heap seats will be included in future standardisation mandates expected in the coming years.

(Child use and care articles) are involved in standardisation work falling under the scope of this Pilot Alignment Initiative.

CEN expects to receive in the near future a mandate from the Commission to develop European standards to address certain risks posed to children by internal blinds, corded window coverings and safety devices.

Information about standardisation activities relating to consumer products can be found on the CEN website

Karolina KrzystekProgramme Manager

Sustainability & Services

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CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012 I 15

TECHNICAL NEWS

ECODESIGN: IMPROVING THE PERFORMANCE OF ENERGY-RELATED PRODUCTS

Ecodesign can be defined as an approach to the design of a product that takes into account the environmental impacts of the product during its whole lifecycle. There is a growth of interest in the ecodesign concept as a means of protecting the environment and increasing energy efficiency, while at the same time creating sustainable jobs in the manufacture and supply of “green” and efficient products.

One means of promoting ecodesign at European level is through the establishment of technical requirements that all products must fulfil before they may be sold within the single market. The so-called ‘Ecodesign Directive’ 2009/125/EC lays down the legislative framework for the design of energy-related products. Precise technical requirements are set out in a series of product-specific Implementing Regulations.

At the end of 2011, the European Commission issued a horizontal ecodesign mandate M/495 to CEN and CENELEC. It requests the development of European Standards that, if applied by manufacturers, will enable them to obtain a presumption of conformity of energy-related products with the mandatory Implementing Regulations – thereby allowing them to sell their products on the European market.

The ecodesign mandate presents a genuine challenge to CEN and CENELEC for several reasons. Not only does the mandate cover many different product groups – which implies that several Technical Committees will need to work on them simultaneously – but it is also a ‘living’ mandate. As relevant legislation is being developed at EU level, the mandate M/495 will be regularly updated in order to take account of and

Examples of product groups covered by mandate M/495

Air conditioning and ventilation systems

Boilers and combi-boilers

Central heating products using hot air

Coffee machines

Commercial and professional refrigeration units

Complex Set Top Boxes

Distribution transformers

Domestic and commercial ovens, hobs and grills

Household lamps and luminaires

Household tumble dryers

Laboratory and industrial ovens and furnaces

Local room heating products

Machine tools

Networked standby losses

Personal computers and monitors

Professional washing machines, dryers and dishwashers

Solid fuel small combustion appliances

Sound and imaging equipment

Water heaters (gas, electric, oil)

include the latest mandatory ecodesign requirements.

Implementing the ecodesign mandate will require effective coordination among the Technical Committees so as to avoid overlap or even conflict of activities, and efficient and smooth communication between the European Commission (and all of its different Directorates General), and the standardisation communities of CEN and CENELEC (including all of the relevant Technical Committees).

A large-scale meeting to raise awareness about the the ecodesign mandate took place on 10 February 2012, bringing together representat ives f rom the European Commission (DGs for Energy, Environment, Enterprise and Industry), the relevant Technical Committees (TCs), and many other interested stakeholders.

Following this meeting, it was decided to set up an Ecodesign Coordination Group (Eco-CG). This group will provide a platform for the timely exchange of information between the Commission services, the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre (CCMC) and the relevant TCs, as well as for discussion and the coordination of activities among the various TCs.

For more information on Ecodesign see the European Commission website and the CEN-CENELEC website

Alexandre della Faille de LeverghemProgramme Manager

Sustainability & Services

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16 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

TECHNICAL NEWS

GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: LINKING RESEARCH WITH STANDARDISATION

Geographic information has many practical uses

Geographic Information (GI) is increasingly being used by individuals, companies and public authorities for many different purposes, making use of mobile telephones, smartphones, satellite navigation (GPS) and the internet. Standards are necessary to ensure that systems made by different manufacturers can communicate effectively, so that crucial information needed to find the right location does not get lost.

More than 40 standards have been adopted since 2003, with a possible further 20 to be adopted in the next few years. These standards underpin common spatial data infrastructures required by public authorities. They enable affordable access to geographic information throughout the whole of Europe and make it possible for spatial data to be used across multiple applications.

The CEN Technical Committee TC 287 addresses standardisation in the domain of geographic information, including areas such as location-based services, smart grids, and environmental information. This committee provides a platform for the exchange of ideas, knowledge and best practices among experts.

The committee has agreed to establish, in co-operation with the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission (DG-JRC), a European repository of reference material on interoperability. The aim is to make the best use of knowledge generated by EU-funded research projects related to the interoperability of location data and services. The repository will complement the Technical Report CEN/TR 15449 “Geographic Information – Spatial Data Infrastructures”.

CEN/TC 287 has also been active in implementing the project liaison concept, thereby enabling European research and innovation projects to be directly involved in standardisation activities. Project teams are given the opportunity to comment on draft standards and thus contribute to the development of European (and international) standards.

The committee cooperates closely with the ISO Technical Committee 211 (Geographic information/ Geomatics) under the Vienna Agreement. An excellent relationship also exists with the Open Geospatial Consortium, an international industry consortium of 437 companies, government

agencies and universities participating in a consensus process to develop publicly available interface standards.

By integrating the best practices registry and TR 15449, CEN/TC 287 has created an infrastructure that adds value to the activities of all stakeholders involved in standardisation in the field of geographic information.

With new requirements resulting from the Digital Agenda for Europe, the European Interoperability Framework, and the European Commission’s Interoperability Solutions for European Public Administrations (ISA) programme, the committee will be ready to promote solutions developed by EU-funded research and innovation projects.

CEN/TC 287 members will attend the INSPIRE ( Infrastructure for Spat ia l Information in Europe) Conference in Istanbul (Turkey) from 23 to 27 June 2012, where they will be involved in organising a workshop on ‘Spatial Data Infrastructures - wayfinder for service-related standards’. For more information about this conference see the INSPIRE website

‘Locat ion framework for publ ic authorities and SMEs’ is the subject of a workshop that will be held in Edinburgh (UK) on 12 September, before the next plenary meeting of CEN/TC 287 on 13-14 September 2012. For more information see the TC website: www.centc287.eu

For more information on linking research and innovation with standardisation activities, see the CEN-CENELEC website

Luc Van Den BergheProgramme ManagerResearch Integration

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CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012 I 17

TECHNICAL NEWS

TRANSPORT: TOWARDS STANDARDS FOR URBAN RAIL NETWORKS

Since 1991, European legislation has sought to promote the emergence of a single railway market throughout the whole of the European Union by pursuing the objectives of market liberalisation, physical interoperability and technical harmonisation. More than 250 voluntary standards have been developed by the ‘Railway Applications’ Technical Committees of CEN (CEN/TC 256) and CENELEC (CLC/TC 9X).

Interoperability between networks is not considered as an essential requirement for local, urban and suburban railway networks, given the diversity of the existing networks and their local character. However, achieving on a voluntary basis an appropriate level of technical harmonisation for urban rail would allow the market to work more efficiently as economies of scale could be achieved, cross acceptance of products could be facilitated and some non-transparent rules could be clarified or removed.

Potential benefits of technical harmonisation would include boosting sustainable mobility and increasing the market share of public

transport – which would help to reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution in urban areas. Given that the European rail industry is a world leader it would also bring economic and social benefits in terms of competitiveness and employment.

Last year, the European Commission issued a mandate (M/486) to the European Standards Organisations (ESOs) for programming and standardisation in the field of urban rail. In January 2012, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI, working through their Joint Programming Committee for the railways sector (JPC Rail), agreed the first draft of their reply to the programming phase of this mandate.

The ESOs have undertaken to prepare a series of 54 technical documents (or ‘leaflets’) identifying the needs that should be met by specific standards. Except for a couple of leaflets addressing the ‘system’ level, the majority of these leaflets cover components. The two responsible TCs (CEN/TC 256 and CENELEC/TC 9X) are currently reviewing and validating the proposed series of leaflets.

Later this year, after the report has been submitted to both CEN and CENELEC Technical Boards, the standardisation programme for urban rail will be presented to the European Commission. Standardisation work should begin early in 2013.

During this development phase, knowledge gained during the development of standards for the railways sector will be transferred to the specific needs of urban rail. The results of relevant European research projects will also be taken into account.

Stakeholders in the urban rail sector and especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to participate in the standardisation process via their national bodies and committees.

More information about standardisation in the railways sector can be found on the CEN website

Thierry LegrandProgramme Manager

Industry, Technology & Infrastructure

TURNING WASTE INTO SOLID RECOVERED FUELS (SRF)

One way to utilize waste is to use it for energy production. Combustible waste can be used to produce solid recovered fuel, thus reducing the amount of waste going into landfill sites. Solid recovered fuels (SRF) are now covered by a new series of European standards.

The key standard in the series is EN 15359, which presents a classification system for solid recovered fuels and requirements for how the characteristics of these fuels should

be specified. The classification of solid recovered fuel is based on three important characteristics of the fuel: net calorific value, chlorine content and mercury content. Each characteristic is divided into 5 classes.

EN 15359 is intended to enable efficient trading of SRF and promote their acceptability on the fuel market. The standard includes a template for declaration of conformity with relevant regulations, and examples of how to establish compliance with SRF classification.

The European standards on solid recovered fuels have been prepared by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 343, the secretariat of which is held by the Finnish Standards Association SFS.

Information about standardisation activities related to “bio-based products” can be found on the CEN website

Monica IbidoProgramme Manager

Sustainability & Services

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TECHNICAL NEWS

CEN TO DEVELOP STANDARDS ON RFID (RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION)

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is an automatic identification method that enables data to be stored and retrieved remotely using electromagnetic fields. RFID can facilitate the development and delivery of new services and applications in many environments, especially automatic identification and tracking.

Some RFID tags require no battery, while others use a local power source and emit radio waves. Specific uses include the tracking of products in factories and warehouses, or the identification of farm animals and household pets. An RFID tag can also be used as a means to pay for using public transport services, or an electronic ‘key’ that allows authorized persons to access specific buildings or areas.

In 2009, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI accepted mandate M/436 from the European Commission, addressing the data protection, privacy and information aspects of RFID, to be executed in two phases. Phase 1, completed in May 2011, identifies what is

needed to produce a complete framework of standards for RFID.

Since the start of this year, the European Commission has formally approved the programme for standardisation work to be carried out under Phase 2 of Mandate M/436. This programme covers the development of deliverables ranging from Technical Reports and Technical Specifications to European Standards that will be applicable across the whole of the single market.

The future deliverables will address various features of RFID privacy and security in a comprehensive and coherent way. RFID has to be seen in a wider context that includes personal ID cards, travel cards and non-contact methods of electronic payment.

All the work will be undertaken by CEN Technical Committee 225 (in charge of Automatic Identification and Applications). The two-year standardisation process

will involve national standards bodies and liaison organisations as well as open stakeholder meetings.

The work under Phase 2 of mandate M/436 was officially launched during the last CEN/TC 225 meeting in Brussels on 22 March. Five Project Teams have been set up to address the ten new work items, under the following headings: Signage and Emblem, RFID Device Privacy, Privacy Impact Assessment, RFID Penetration Testing, and Extended RFID device security capability.

All national standard bodies (members of CEN) and liaison organisations are encouraged to nominate experts who could contribute to the work of the project teams. All of the work under phase 2 of M/436 should be completed by the end of 2013.

Alain DechampsProgramme Manager

Industry, Technology & Infrastructure

LIST OF EUROPEAN MANDATES

Mandate reference Mandate title Accepted by

M/500Mandate to CEN, CENELEC and ETSI for standardisation in the field of fans driven by motors with an electric input power between 125 W and 500 kW

CEN (BT C016/2012) CENELEC (D141/C051)

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18 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

COOPERATION AGREEMENT WITH THE STANDARDS COUNCIL OF CANADA (SCC)

CEN and CENELEC have concluded a cooperation agreement with the Standards Council of Canada (SCC). This agreement provides a basis for closer collaboration on various aspects of standardisation, which should also facilitate trade in goods and services between Europe and Canada.

The cooperation agreement was signed by the Presidents of the three organisations and formally concluded at a ceremony in Brussels on 17 February in the presence of: Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC; John Walter, CEO of the SCC; David Plunkett, Canadian Ambassador to the European Union; representatives of the European Commission and other interested stakeholders.

Under the agreement, CEN, CENELEC and SCC have committed themselves to working together through targeted dialogues on issues of joint interest and cooperating in the framework of the International Standards Bodies: ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).

By promoting the harmonisation of standards at international level, they also seek to facilitate Trans-Atlantic trade, notably in the framework of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) that is currently being negotiated between Canada and the European Union (EU).

From left to right: John Walter, CEO of the Standards Council of Canada; David Plunkett, Canadian Ambassador to the European Union; Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC; Daniel Bunch, Deputy Head of Standardisation Unit, European Commission (DG Enterprise and Industry).

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The SCC will cooperate with CEN and CENELEC on standardisation activities in relation to a wide range of sectors including: aerospace, chemicals, construction, consumer products, energy and environmental technologies, medical devices and nanotechnologies. Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC, underlined the importance of the cooperation agreement for European businesses: “Canada is an important export market for European companies, whether they are selling goods – such as machinery, transport equipment and chemicals – or various kinds of services. By strengthening our cooperation with the SCC we can make progress on reducing technical barriers to

trade, thereby creating more opportunities for big and small businesses to grow.”

John Walter, CEO of SCC, highlighted the benefits of the agreement: “Formalising the relationship with CEN and CENELEC will enable SCC to pursue enhanced cooperation on topics pertaining to standards and their application. Greater harmonisation of standardisation activities in sectors of strategic importance expands the potential for economic growth and increased trade between Canada and Europe.”

Diana DusUnit Manager

International Cooperation

CENELEC WELCOMES COMELEC AS A NEW AFFILIATE

The CENELEC community has been enriched with the affiliation of COMELEC, the Moroccan Electrotechnical Committee for Standardization, effective since 1 January 2012. This brings the number

of CENELEC’s Affiliates to 12 and it will allow Morocco to adopt more European standards and participate as observers in CENELEC Technical Committees.

Eric MarchandProgramme Manager

International Cooperation

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20 I CONNECT — CEN-CENELEC Newsletter Issue 8 – April 2012

EXTERNAL RELATIONS

COOPERATION WITH THE STANDARDS ORGANISATIONS OF THE GULF STATES

The GCC Standardization Organization (GSO) brings together the National Standards Bodies of different member states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG), also knows as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This regional organisation includes six countries, namely Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates.

In 2010, GSO expressed its interest in entering into an official cooperation with the three European Standards Organisations

(ESOs) – CEN, CENELEC and ETSI. Following consultation with the ESOs’ stakeholders, it was decided to negotiate a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The MoU has recently been signed and will allow several types of cooperation, including exchange of standards and information, and the organisation of joint seminars. This cooperation will contribute to the removal of technical barriers to trade, ensure the interoperability of products and services, and support the sharing of scientific and

technical knowledge between the two regions.

Cooperation has already started with the organisation of a training event for GSO officers on the European standardisation system and CEN’s IT tools. Ten participants from GSO and its members attended this training in Brussels on 25 and 26 January.

Eric MarchandProgramme Manager

International Cooperation

CHINESE DELEGATION MEETS WITH CEN AND CENELEC IN BRUSSELS

On February 24, a delegation consisting of 15 senior officials from the National Development and Reform Commission of China (NDRC) visited the CEN and CENELEC Management Centre in order to learn about the European standardisation system, and in particular standardisation activities in the energy sector.

The delegation, accompanied by Mr Claude Breining, CENELEC Vice-President Finance and Senior Vice-President of Schneider

Electric, visited Brussels to better understand the European approach to energy-efficiency and related topics, with the aim of helping NDRC formulate recommendations regarding the best policies for China.

The NDRC is responsible for devising and implementing policies for economic and social development and guiding the restructuring of China's economic system. Members of the delegation were therefore

interested to learn about the links between European standards and EU legislation as well as the structure, financing and functioning of the European standardisation system, plus the role and status of the different stakeholders who contribute to the development of standards.

Diana DusUnit Manager

International Cooperation

EXTERNAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE (ERC): NEW CHAIRMAN

Mr Francisco Verdera Marí

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The External Relations Committee (ERC) of the European Standards Organisations (ESOs) met in Brussels on 18 April. This was the occasion to thank Mr Ivar Jachwitz, Deputy Managing Director of Standards Norway, for his four years of service as Chairman of the ERC and External Relations Officer of the 3 ESOs (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI) since 2008.

From May 2012, the new ERC Chairman will be Francisco Verdera Marí, who is currently Director

International Relations and Cooperation at AENOR (the Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification). Mr Verdera has been an active ERC member for the past two years and has extensive experience in representing AENOR, CEN and CENELEC at various international meetings.

Diana DusUnit Manager

International Cooperation

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Responsible Editor: Sarah Penny

CEN-CENELEC Management CentreAvenue Marnix 17 1000 Brussels Belgium

Tel: +32 2 550 08 11 Fax: +32 2 550 08 19info@cencenelec.eu

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