NEWS
The International Federation of Standards Users (IFAN) is conducting its Bi-Annual Survey to better understand the needs and experiences of individuals and organizations that are using standards. This survey is of primary importance for identifying challenges, improving accessibility, and enhancing the usability of standards across industries.
In April, the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST) participated in two important events that highlighted the broad impact of standards – one aimed at the professional community and the other at students and young people.
On 12 February 2025, the Presidential Committee approved the new three-year mandate of the PC Advisory Body on SMEs (SME-WG). This group has long served as a key platform for addressing the needs and concerns of small and medium-sized enterprises within the CEN and CENELEC system.
On 12 February 2025, the Presidential Committee approved the new three-year mandate of the PC Advisory Body on Societal Stakeholders (SSG). This group has long served as a key platform for addressing the needs and concerns of Societal stakeholders within the CEN and CENELEC system. The SSG plays a vital role in fostering dialogue between CEN and CENELEC and the Societal Annex III Organizations ANEC, ECOS and ETUC.
On 14 May, the Horizon Europe project Edu4Standards.eu will host a webinar to introduce the Academic Standards Days and the process to apply for funding. The Academic Standards Days are key events designed to deepen the understanding of standardization and further the engagement with the topic at universities across Europe.
A ceremonial opening of the exhibition titled “The world is safe and sound when standards are around” took place at the Central Technical Library of the University of Ljubljana (CTK), co-organized by the Slovenian Institute for Standardization (SIST) and CTK. The exhibition highlights the crucial role of standards in ensuring safety, quality, and sustainability in everyday life, as well as their impact on society, industry, and technology.
The draft standard prEN 18156 ‘Tactile lettering - Requirements on the presentation and application of Braille and raised characters’ was out for CEN Enquiry until 24 April 2025. ANEC has played a leading role in the development of the standard and supports its adoption.
Standards provide rules and guidance on how products and tools are made, how methods are applied, and how services are rendered. Not only are they crucial in enabling the Single Market through interoperability and compatibility, they also ensure the safety and quality of products. At the same time – and very importantly –, standards affect workers. From the design of high-risk machinery and AI systems used in the workplace to the specifications governing personal protective equipment across various sectors in Europe, standards permeate the world of work.
In Austria, 4,860 experts from 2,880 nominating organizations are currently involved in standardization on a voluntary and unpaid basis. With 1,042 delegates at European level, Austria has a strong impact on the global standardization network and is actively involved in shaping standards. The new brand strategy of Austrian Standards reflects this attitude and self-image of the organization. The sharpened brand identity combines expertise, reliability and innovative strength.
The March issue of the CEN-CENELEC newsletter 'On the Spot' is out now!