The European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC), and the Cyprus Organisation for Standardisation (CYS) warmly welcome the upcoming Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2026.
As Europe continues to navigate rapid geopolitical challenges, evolving technology, energy, and climate objectives, and an increasingly interconnected global market, the role of European standardization is more crucial than ever. CEN, CENELEC and CYS look forward to supporting the Cyprus Presidency in advancing a strong, competitive, and resilient Single Market underpinned by high-quality European standards.
Synergies in upcoming ambitions
The Presidency’s programme highlights key strategic areas that are synonymous with the European Standardization System: simplification and burden reduction, defence, trade, as well as climate and security.
Standards offer a common language for emerging technologies, driving innovation and serving as a valuable resource for simplification. It is essential for the competitiveness of Europe to have technology neutral standards that underpin competition rather than vendor lock in specific technologies. Such standards are produced in the European standardization organizations CEN and CENELEC, through the bottom strength of their Members throughout both the EU and EFTA.
A clear example of this advantage being practically applied is in energy security – one of the EU’s most pressing challenges. Standards support Europe’s energy transition by helping integrate renewable energy sources and optimize their use, ensure grid interoperability, and maintain a security of supply.
But interoperability is not limited to the energy sector. Defence can also greatly benefit from the enhancement of its dual-use catalogue of standards. Doing so offers the opportunity to grow in areas of manufacturing, joint procurement, as well as the connection between defence and industry leaders.
The Cyprus Presidency comes at a pivotal moment for the development of the European Standardization System as it evolves with its green and digital transition. With the modernization of SMART standards and Online Standards Development becoming the norm in European Standardization, the extent and agility of standards development is in a state of rapid evolution.
It is our hope that the Cyprus Presidency will consider this tool of European Standardization as it looks towards fostering innovation and the strength of Europe’s industrial leadership.
CEN, CENELEC and CYS are committed to contributing expertise and collaborative strength throughout the Presidency, working closely with EU institutions, national delegations, industry, societal stakeholders, and the wider standardization community.
Looking ahead
CEN, CENELEC, CYS and their other National Members in 34 European countries are looking forward to collaborating with the Cyprus Presidency to achieve Europe’s strategic priorities. A particularly important file during this semester will be the revision of the Standardization Regulation, which gives the opportunity to shape the future of the European Standardization System.
CEN and CENELEC are committed to deepening our dialogue with EU institutions and all relevant stakeholders on how the European Standardization System can continue to adapt to fast-evolving technological and policy needs.
