Brussels (5 March 2009) – 35 representatives from 17 standardization organizations, Affiliates or potential Affiliates of CEN-CENELEC, came together during a two-day seminar in Brussels to develop a deeper understanding of the European standardization system and its underlying benefits. The seminar was organized by the Technical Assistance Information Exchange Instrument (TAIEX) from DG Enlargement of the European Commission in cooperation with DG Enterprise and Industry and the two European Standards Organizations and illustrated the CEN-CENELEC concept of affiliation that was recently aligned in support of the ‘EU wider Europe Policy’ and the promotion of the EU Single Market.
This event was designed to increase participation in the CEN-CENELEC system, while learning about the roles of the standardization profession. The presentations covered all aspects, from the basic standardization process, to how to participate in standardization using IT tools and reiterated what rights and obligations Affiliates have in the European Standardization Process.

The seminar provided an opportunity for existing Affiliates to discuss their needs and share their experiences. At the same time it provided a platform for would-be Affiliates to formally enter into closer relations with CEN and CENELEC with the objective of becoming an Affiliate in the future.

CEN-CENELEC Affiliates are National Standards Bodies / National Committees that are members (or corresponding members) of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), in the case of CEN, or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), in the case of CENELEC. Each Affiliate is the standardization body from an EU neighbouring country, which has links with the EU or EFTA. All Affiliates may participate in the General Assembly and in technical bodies. They receive all technical and general documentation from CEN or CENELEC.
The 17 countries represented were: Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Moldova, Montenegro, Palestinian Authority, Serbia, Syrian Arab Republic and Tunisia. The seminar was held at the CEN-CENELEC Meeting Centre, on the first day, and on the second day at Thon Hotel Brussels City
Center.

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About CEN
The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is a business facilitator in Europe, removing trade barriers for European industry and consumers. Its mission is to foster the European economy in global trading, the welfare of European citizens and the environment. Through its services it provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical specifications.

CEN’s 30 National Members work together to develop voluntary European Standards (ENs) in various sectors to build a European Internal Market for goods and services and to position Europe in the global economy. More than 60.000 technical experts as well as business federations, consumer and other societal interest organizations are involved in the CEN network that reaches over 480 million people.

For further information please visit: www.cen.eu

About CENELEC
The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization is officially responsible for standardization in the electrotechnical field. In an ever more global economy, CENELEC fosters innovation and competitiveness, making technology available not only to major businesses but also to SMEs through the production of voluntary standards. CENELEC creates market access at the European level but also at the international level through its cooperation agreement with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Through the work of its 30 Members together with its experts, the industry federations and consumers, Electrotechnical European Standards are created in order to help shape the European Internal Market, to encourage technological development, to ensure interoperability and to guarantee the safety and health of consumers and provide environmental protection.

Detailed information available at www.cenelec.eu

Media contacts:
CEN
Ryan Millar
Communications : +32.2.55.00.833 :ryan.millar@cen.eu

CENELEC
Elisabeth Brodthagen
Communication Manager : +32.2.519.68.90 :communication@cenelec.eu