ECOS | Environmental Coalition on Standards

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Standards & standardisation policy

Regional: EU standardisation and policy

European standardisation is a key instrument for the consolidation of the Single Market. When a European standard is adopted, the same standard is transposed across all Member States. The European Standardisation System is unique: European standardisation deliverables are often developed to support of EU legislation and policies. In such cases where standards serve the public interest, it is critical to ensure the participation of all possible stakeholders in their drafting.

We are officially recognised as the representative of environmental interests in the standardisation system. ECOS is an “Annex III organisation”, officially recognised by the EU Standardisation Regulation. We participate in all standardisation technical bodies within the European Standardisation Organisations. We are a Partner Organisation of both CEN and CENELEC, and a member of ETSI, giving the environment a strong voice in European standards-making.

What we are working on

  • We work to strengthen the environmental voice in the European Standardisation System and support the interaction between European, national and international standards and standardisation systems.
  • We work for the integration of environmental interests in standardisation work – pushing for robustness and environmental ambition in the development of key European standards.
  • We advocate for the development of certain missing standards that can help the implementation of crucial environmental policies or innovations.
  • We join CEN, CENELEC and ETSI Technical Committees and Working Groups – and engage with their members.
  • We raise awareness and boost engagement among eNGOs in standardisation, pursuing strategic environmental priorities and equipping environmental civil society to contribute to such processes.
  • We make sure standards and policy objectives are compatible, and push for effective implementation of EU environmental policies through adequate standardisation work.
  • We contribute to shaping the European policy making on standardisation matters and represent the environmental voice in the implementation of the EU Standardisation Strategy as a member of the EU High-Level Forum on European Standardisation, and as an observer on the Committee on Standards.
Related news

  • Standards need to work for everyone – here’s how we do it

    World Standards Day this year focuses on the power of partnership and the impact of working together. The development of standards can enable meaningful collaboration between industries, governments, and civil society, but a lack of representation of diverse and relevant expertise from civil society organisations risks the adoption of standards which may not be fit for purpose.

  • Education and skills on standards – ECOS commitment to the EU High-Level Forum on Standardisation

    In 2023, the European Commission established the High-Level Forum on European Standardisation to advise on strategic political matters in this field. Ever since the Forum was created, ECOS has been championing inclusiveness and capacity building of civil society actors in standardisation.

  • How a new European standard could make washing machines more sustainable

    More than nine out of ten European households have a washing machine. While their energy efficiency has improved over the years, their overall sustainability still leaves a lot to be desired. Ensuring these appliances last for a long time is crucial if we want to manage global resources sustainably. This can be achieved by testing such products properly before they enter the market. With a new test methodology for washing machines in the pipeline, this could be just around the corner. Here’s how one new standard could help to make it happen.

Contact person
Nerea Ruiz Fuente
Policy Director nerea.ruiz@ecostandard.org
Amina Aissani
Senior Programme Manager amina.aissani@ecostandard.org

ECOS is co-funded by the European Commission and EFTA Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EISMEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

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