ANEC took part in CEN and CENELEC's event “Setting the Standard: A Strategic Dialogue for an Inclusive Standardization System” on 17 November 2025, where Deputy Director General of ANEC Chiara Giovannini joined a panel of societal and SME representatives. The audience was comprised of CEN and CENELEC Members and representatives of the EU institutions.
Ms Giovannini stressed the growing importance of European standardization for consumers, noting its role in product safety, the digital and green transitions, and supporting informed consumer choices. She highlighted the need for standards to reflect real consumer behaviour and not idealized assumptions.
She also underlined the importance of removing barriers for societal stakeholders through measures such as waived participation fees, free access to drafts, and better training. She stressed that EU (and EFTA) support for umbrella groups - such as ANEC - remains essential to ensure the participation of under-represented stakeholders at the national and European levels, thus complementing and reinforcing the national delegation principle.
Looking to the revision of Regulation 1025, Ms Giovannini called for clearer responsibilities, improved resources for participation, and safeguards to ensure harmonized standards remain technical tools and do not set legal or ethical norms.
ANEC will continue to advocate for a standardization system that is inclusive, effective, and protective of consumers.
