Markdown

CEN

CEN is the Acronym for European Committee for Standardization

A public standards organization whose mission is to foster the European economy in global trading, the welfare of European citizens, and the environment by providing an efficient infrastructure to interested parties for the development, maintenance, and distribution of coherent sets of standards and specifications. Founded in 1961, CEN (European Committee for Standardization) was established by the national standards bodies in the European Economic Community and EFTA countries. Today, it contributes to the objectives of the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area with voluntary technical standards that promote free trade, safety, interoperability, environmental protection, and public procurement.

History and Structure

CEN was founded in 1961 and is composed of the National Standardization Bodies of 34 European countries, including all EU member states. Its standards are officially recognized in all these countries.

  • Mission: To foster the European economy in global trading, the welfare of European citizens, and the environment.
  • Founding: Established by the national standards bodies in the European Economic Community and EFTA countries.

Collaboration with Other European Standardization Organizations

CEN works alongside two other European Standardization Organizations (ESOs): The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) and The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Together, they aim to build a European Internal Market for goods and services and to position Europe in the global economy.

Objectives

CEN’s voluntary technical standards promote several key objectives:

  • Free trade: Facilitating the movement of goods and services across borders.
  • Safety: Ensuring the safety of workers and consumers.
  • Interoperability: Enabling seamless integration of networks and systems.
  • Environmental protection: Supporting sustainable practices and policies.
  • Research and development: Encouraging innovation and technological advancement.
  • Public procurement: Standardizing processes for government and institutional purchases.