# EUR-Lex - 52014DC0500 - EN

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# 52014DC0500

**COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL AND THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE The annual Union work programme for European standardisation for 2015 /* COM/2014/0500 final */**

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1. 
Introduction

Europe’s goal is to
create growth and jobs in a smart, sustainable and inclusive way through the
Europe 2020 strategy[1] and its flagship initiatives. The importance of standardisation for
jobs, growth and economic recovery was reiterated in the Commission’s
Industrial Policy Communication “For a European Industrial Renaissance”[2], which stressed the need for the European standardisation system to
contribute in the field of industrial policy, innovation and technological
development. It identified six fast-growing areas for priority action: advanced
manufacturing technologies, key enabling technologies, bio-based products,
sustainable industrial policy, construction and raw materials, clean vehicles,
and smart grids.

The positive effects of standardisation are
well known and recognised. However to ensure that Europe’s standardisation
system can meet today’s challenges, the Commission proposed a reform package in
2011[3] including a new Regulation on European standardisation which took
effect from 1 January 2013[4]. This reform aimed at increasing the system’s inclusiveness, speed,
responsiveness, transparency, flexibility and scope.

One innovation of the reform is the obligation
for the Commission to adopt an annual Union work programme for European standardisation
(hereinafter referred to as "UWP"), which identifies strategic
priorities for European standardisation on the basis of the policy objectives
set by the Commission in its planning. This Communication, which is adopted for
the second year running, identifies those priority domains where the Commission
has intentions to use European standardisation as a policy tool in support of
the Union's new or existing legislation and policies in the course of 2015. The
intentions may lead in the future to formal standardisation requests (mandates)
to the European standardisation organisations (ESOs) – CEN, CENELEC and ETSI,
however leaving room also for  standardisation related preliminary or ancillary
actions invited or initiated by the Commission without mandates.

Considering the private nature of European
standardisation the practical implementation (i.e. standardisation) of all
these priorities and actions remain always under the responsibility,
willingness and discretion of the ESOs. The role of the Commission remains to
initiate European standardisation activities through standardisation requests
or other actions and providing Union funding for European standardisation where
it supports Union's priorities.

The orientations indicated in the work
programme do not have a budgetary impact over and above of what is already
foreseen for the year 2015. The outcome of negotiations for the 2014-2020
European Financial Framework has been a serious reduction of the Commission’s
budget. This has an impact on the annual budget and in 2014 the budget line for
standardisation has been reduced by 25,56% from 2013. Consequently, the
challenge is to share this burden among the different kinds of expenditure and
organisations, keeping in mind the strategic objectives of the Union’s standardisation policy.

The publication of this Union work programme
increases efficiency and transparency and facilitates a better forward planning
of standardisation work.

The Commission has launched at the end of 2013
the Independent review of the European standardisation system. The first phase
of the report which concerns the fact finding has been completed in June. The
next phase concerns analysis of the facts and the conclusions. The results will
be available by the end of the year.

The results of the Independent review will be
considered by the Commission in its reports pursuant to articles 24 and 25 of
the Regulation4
which it will submit to the European Parliament and to the Council in 2015.

Some items of the 2014 UWP have been taken over
in this document, setting the priorities for 2015. These items have been
identified in continuous and consensual discussions with the European
Standardisation Organisations also involving other stakeholders. In addition,
some standards in support of EU legislation still depend on adoption of the
acts they will be based upon by the co-legislator. As a result the Commission
proposes a rescheduling of some items already listed in the 2014 UWP.

2. 
Strategic Priorities for European
Standardisation

The European Council of March 2014[5] emphasised
the need of a strong and competitive industrial base, in terms of both
production and investment, as a key driver for economic growth and jobs.
According to the European Council the Commission Communication "For a
European Industrial Renaissance" provides important input in this respect
and sets out the Commission’s key priorities for industrial policy.

These priorities will be achieved by:

•        completing the integration of networks: information
networks, energy and transport

•        achieving a more open and integrated
internal market in goods and services

•        improving the business environment, regulatory framework
and public administration in the EU

•        stimulating investment in innovation
and new technologies

•        increasing productivity and resource efficiency and
facilitating access to affordable production inputs

•        upgrading skills and facilitating
industrial change

•        supporting small and medium
enterprises and entrepreneurship

•        supporting internationalisation of EU
firms, in particular SMEs

The European Standardisation System contributes
to Europe’s strategic objectives, in particular in the field of industrial
policy, services, innovation and technological development.

The Commission has examined which of the
actions described in the Communication are ready for the development of
standards in 2015.

In this context, the Commission has identified
in the below listed fields its strategic priorities for European
standardisation where it intends to ask from the European standardisation
organisations the development of standards.

2.1. 
Bio-based products including biofuels

Pre-and co-normative research for the
development of test methods applicable to the measurement of bio-based content,
functionalities, environmental attributes and profiles of bio-based products
e.g. bio-based polymers, lubricants, solvents and surfactants, is also to be
considered ensuring coherent and coordinated progress.

In addition to the on-going standardisation
work in the field of biofuels the Commission is examining areas in relation to
bio-based products where new technical specifications and test methods in
bioenergy would be needed.

Under the Horizon 2020 "Secure, clean and
efficient energy" Work Programme 2014-2015 the Commission aims to ask
within the first quarter of 2015 for the programming and development
of standards on algae and their products.

Under the same Horizon 2020
Work Programme, but for "Food security, sustainable agriculture and
forestry, marine and maritime and inland water research, and the
bioeconomy" the Commission is asking for the development and promotion of
the use of common environmental and functional/performance based
specifications, including the need for standardised measurement and testing
methodologies, which could be used to support public procurement networks on
innovative bio-based products.

2.2. 
Construction products and construction

The development of certain new product standards,
e.g. for innovative products and the amendment of existing standards necessary
for the implementation of Regulation (EU) 305/2011 should be completed. Certain
regulated aspects, e.g. accessibility of construction works, sustainable use of
natural resources must be included in harmonised European product standards.

The development of assessment methods for regulated dangerous substances and the emission of radiation must
be finalised and the new assessment methods should be gradually introduced in
product standards.

To enhance the competitiveness of EU construction
services the Commission will promote the further development and the international
uptake of Eurocodes’ structural design standards under the Action Plan on the
Sustainable Competitiveness of the Construction Sector[6].

The Commission is examining the needs for standardisation
on geothermal energy related issues.

With regards to indoor air quality, the
standardisation of Radon measurements in dwellings should also be considered[7].

The Commission aims to issue the
standardisation requests within the third quarter of 2015.

2.3. 
Ecodesign/Energy-related products

In respect of the actions set out in the
Commission Communication "Roadmap to a Resource Efficient Europe"[8], standards related to resource efficiency such as recyclability,
recoverability and reusability indexes or durability of products or its key
components as well as other environmental parameters needs to be developed, so
as to facilitate the characterisation of potential ecodesign requirements in
additional areas.

Further standardisation requests in support of Commission
Regulations implementing the Ecodesign Directive (e.g. ventilation systems,
space and water heaters, networked standby for networked and networking
equipment) will be issued as individual mandates.

Where the Commission considers it likely that new
measures (i.e. Commission Regulations or Commission Delegated Regulations) on
Ecodesign and/or Energy Labelling will be proposed for products under the
Ecodesign Working Plan 2012-14, new standardisation requests in these fields
could be issued.

The Commission aims to issue the
standardisation requests within the second quarter of 2015.

2.4. 
Waste recycling

The implementation of action referred to in
point 2.1.4.4 of the Commission’s Communication COM(2013)561 (hereinafter
referred to as the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme) is still to be
considered as part of this UWP except for the reference to waste
characterisation for hazardous property H 12 – release of an acute toxic gas
category 1, 2 or 3, where a mandate is under preparation.

The Commission aims to issue the
standardisation requests within the first quarter of 2015.

2.5. 
Postal services

With the actions set out in the "Roadmap
for completing the single market for parcel delivery"[9] the Commission aims to support the development of e-commerce by
improving parcel delivery, notably cross border. One set of actions promotes
enhanced interoperability of parcel-delivery operations. The Commission aims to
issue, within the first quarter of 2015, a standardisation request concerning
the specific features of parcel delivery services and, may also consider including
within this standardisation request the revision of any existing European
Standards on postal services if necessary.

2.6. 
Air quality and
industrial emissions

The Directive relating to arsenic, cadmium, mercury,
nickel and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons[10]
requires the monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In order to
ensure better data comparability, validated standard methods for PAH are
required.

The Directive [11]on
industrial emissions empowers the Commission to introduce continuous monitoring
of emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins and –furans (PCDD/PCDF) from
waste incineration plants as soon as appropriate measurement techniques are
available. The Commission expects to send a mandate to the ESOs in the course
of 2015 for the completion of the validation of the existing technical
specifications in this field.

3. 
Standardisation needs in other fields
3.1. 
Innovation and new technologies
3.1.1. 
Advanced manufacturing technologies

The Commission will work closely with the European
standardisation organisations to systematically address results of screenings
and foresight exercises on advanced manufacturing in their work programme and
to further identify and address standardisation gaps taking into account the
work of the Commission’s Task Force on Advanced Manufacturing for Clean
Production.

3.1.2. 
Key enabling technologies (KETs)

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.1.2 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered
as part of this UWP.

3.1.3. 
Sustainable industrial policy, construction and
raw materials
3.1.3.1. 
Steel

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.1.4.2 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.1.3.2. 
Non-energy, non-agricultural, raw materials

The Commission has identified in its Strategic
Implementation Plan[12]
a number of areas where standardisation is required.

The European Innovation Partnership (EIP) on
Raw Materials[13]
will work on common standards for waste recycling and for data reporting on
exploration, mineral production, trade, reserves and resources

3.1.4. 
Clean vehicles and vessels

The implementation of the action referred to in point 2.1.5 of the
Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of
this UWP.

3.1.5. 
Smart grids and
smart metering

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.1.6 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

In addition to a previous standardisation
mandate M/490 in support of European Smart Grid deployment the European
Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities will develop a common landscape and a
strategic programme for smart city standards.

3.2. 
Strengthening the internal market in goods and services
3.2.1. 
Role of European standards as part of the
regulatory framework

European standards adopted on the basis of
requests made by the Commission for the application of Union legislation are
already a vital part of the regulatory framework for products. In order to ensure
that European standards, and in particular harmonised standards, can maintain
their position as a recognised reference point in ensuring compliance with the Union’s
legislation – not only for products but also for services – a coherent and
fully reviewed approach is needed in implementing the new legal requirements of
the 2012 Standardisation Regulation. To ensure this the Commission will revise
its guidance for drafting, adopting and executing standardisation requests focusing
in particular on SME friendliness, transparency, quality and clarity of
harmonised standards. In addition, the Commission intends to update mandate M/417
concerning standards relating to conformity assessment activities so they can
continue to serve as a recognised reference for the accreditation of conformity
assessment bodies, including those working in the framework of EU harmonisation
legislation.

3.2.2. 
Child safety

The implementation of the action referred to in point 2.2.1 of the
Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of
this UWP.

The Commission may request the development of
European standards for children's clothing and accessories as well as for
childrens’ shoes.

3.2.3. 
Safety of other consumer products

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.2 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

The Commission may request the development of
European standards for buoyant aids for swimming, roller skates (and similar
equipment) and paragliding equipment.

3.2.4. 
Feed and food quality and safety

The implementation of
the action referred to in point 2.2.3 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work
programme is still to be considered as part of this UWP..

Furthermore, in order to ensure fair trade and
a high level of safety when using methods alternative to the ISO international
standards, it is of utmost importance to clearly set the requirements for
certification bodies assessing equivalence and certificates to be released.

3.2.5. 
Tobacco Products

Under the Tobacco Products Directive[14] which entered into force on 19 May 2014, the Commission is
considering the development of technical standards for electronic cigarettes,
in particular their refill mechanism.

3.2.6. 
Cosmetics

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.4 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.2.7. 
Fibre composition of textile products

Under the Textile Regulation[15] and
the REACH Regulation[16]
, the Commission may request standardisation activities with regard to finished
textile products, namely in areas such as the non-destructive identification of
textile fibres, the integration of non-textile
elements, the determination of flammability and the identification of the
presence (or absence) of allergenic substances.

3.2.8. 
Fertilisers

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.6 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.2.9. 
Safety of offshore machinery

The implementation of the action referred to in point 2.2.7 of the
Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of
this UWP.

3.2.10. 
Land transport

Under the European Electronic Toll Service
(EETS) deployment[17]  the following further standardisation activities would be beneficial:
test standards for the secure monitoring of toll systems and for profiles of
information exchange between Service Provision and Toll Charging activities,
and revision of the test standards forming the basis of satellite-based
electronic tolling systems and the profile standard for Dedicated Short-Range
Communications (DSRC) -based electronic tolling.

In order to implement new legislation on
Digital Tachographs and on Weights and Dimensions[18] an additional standard on DSRC is needed to allow the transmission
of data from a moving vehicle to an enforcement police officer on the roadside,
through the DSRC interface.

Another issue is related to onboard weighing
systems for trucks, where different providers may equip the tractor and the
trailers which it will tow. An interface standard is required between the
different suppliers to ensure that the onboard weighing computer in the tractor
will be able to receive the weights per axles of any trailer, store them, and then
compute the whole weight of the vehicle. This standard could be based upon ISO
11992.

3.2.11. 
e-Freight[19]

The Commission aims, through the e-Freight
policy initiative, to electronically link logistics stakeholders along the
whole supply chain and to facilitate the flow, access and use of information. The
objective is to enhance efficiency and reduce costs of freight transport
operations.

In this framework, the Commission may request
standardisation activities.

3.2.12. 
Waterborne transport

Within the field of waterborne transport,
technical solutions and standards are based on both European and international
requirements. The Commission is considering to issue a standardisation request
to the ESOs concerning the development of standards for maritime transport
information sharing in support of the e-Maritime initiative and in order to
support the implementation of the National Single Windows[20] and electronic transmission of data towards other relevant systems,
in particular the Union Maritime Information and Exchange System[21], SafeSeaNet. In this context a close link with e-Freight,
e-Customs and e-Navigation initiatives will be established.

3.2.13. 
Air transport

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.8 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

However, as regards the modernisation of the
European air traffic management network, the ESOs will be requested to review
existing standards and their continuation, and to develop, in cooperation with
the European Organisation for Civil Aviation Equipment (EUROCAE) and the
European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), future possible activity and the
relevant necessary European standards identified in the European ATM Master
Plan and in the common projects supporting the implementation of the Master
Plan.

In line with its Communication on remotely
piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) in a safe and sustainable manner[22]  the
Commission identified the need to develop a strategy for RPAS at European
level. This includes the definition of an appropriate regulatory framework,
which could be supported by standards developed by the ESOs or international
standardisation organisations, in cooperation with EUROCAE and EASA.

3.2.14. 
Rail transport

The implementation of the action referred to in point 2.2.9 of the
Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of
this UWP with the addition of the following areas for development of European
standards:

· 
Harmonised communication vehicle/ground area, to
close open points in technical specifications for interoperability (TSIs);

· 
Development of the universal overhead contact
line (OCL), following the results of the specific study on this matter
commissioned by the European Rail Agency;

· 
Development of European standards for railway
applications including 1520mm track gauge railway system taking into account
the Russian interstate standards (GOST)  and focusing on the purpose and scope
of the Interoperability Directive.

3.2.15. Alternative fuels and related
infrastructure

Standardisation will be needed to implement the Clean Power for
Transport package, including the European Alternative Fuels Strategy and the
proposal for a Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure[23].

The Commission is keen to support faster market
introduction of advanced concepts by harmonisation and development of standards
for photovoltaic technology. The Commission is examining areas related to alternative
fuels where further standardisation would be needed.

3.2.16. 
Safety of infrastructure[24]

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.11 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.2.17. 
Wireless communications

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.12 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP and the following items are added:

(1) 
accessories interworking with radio equipment,
specifically a common charging interface for mobile and other portable
electronic devices;

(2) 
access of mobile telephones and other portable
radio equipment to Galileo services;

(3) 
enforcement of systems designed to guarantee
that software supporting certain features can only be loaded into the radio
equipment where the compliance of the combination of software and the radio
equipment has been demonstrated;

(4) 
mobile communication services in the 700 MHz and
the lower UHF band so as to ensure co-existence with other applications and
electrical equipment' as follow: 'Wireless broadband communication services in
the UHF (470-790 MHz) band so as to ensure co-existence with other applications,
including non-radio, and electrical equipment.

3.2.18. 
Space at the service of citizens

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.13 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.2.19. 
Security

The implementation of the action referred to in point 2.2.14 of the
Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of
this UWP.

3.2.20. 
Nuclear Safety and Security

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.15 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.2.21. Chemicals

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.2.16 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

Under the Water Framework Directive[25] and sister legislation[26], the Commission is considering the development of standards for
analytical methods for water pollutants and certain biological and
microbiological parameters.

3.2.22. Safety of specific services

This work item is subject to the outcome of a
broad consultation of stakeholders provisionally scheduled for the second half
of 2014. If input from stakeholders leads to the conclusion that service
standardisation needs in the field of consumer safety e.g. on hotel fire
safety, would receive wide support, this option should be kept open.

3.2.23. 
Healthcare services[27]

Patients require safe, high quality services in order to have
confidence in healthcare systems throughout Europe. To develop European
Standards, clinicians and representatives of regulatory authorities, research
and development as well as accreditation and standardisation organisations
should bring together their knowledge and experience. In order to manage
complex healthcare systems in a consistent manner, specific horizontal aspects
could be subject to standardisation requests to CEN in line with relevant Union
legislation and policies on healthcare.

3.2.24. 
Accessibility

The implementation of
the action referred to in point 2.2.20 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work
programme is still to be considered as part of this UWP.

3.2.25. 
Medical devices

Once the future Regulation on Medical Devices[28] and the Regulation on in vitro diagnostic Medical Devices28 are
adopted by the European Parliament and by the Council, the European Commission
will issue a mandate inviting CEN and CENELEC to verify to what extent the
Essential Requirements and other requirements contained in the future regulations
are covered by standards.

3.2.26. Measuring Instruments

In the framework of the Measuring Instruments
Directive[29], the Commission may mandate the ESOs to produce standards in the
light of the state of international standardisation and market needs. This
would concern instruments covered by the scope of the directive for which after
the last change to the Directive[30] no full harmonised standard exists, or due to technological
innovation only, incomplete and/or out-dated harmonised standards exist.

3.2.27. Pressure equipment

In order to promote the take-up of European
harmonised standards in the pressure equipment sector and to ensure the long-term
sustainability of these standards, further actions will be undertaken to
promote the visibility and facilitate the take-up of the main standards for
pressure vessels, piping and boilers.

3.2.28. Electrical and electronic equipment

The following items may be the subject of
specific standardisation requests:

(1) 
aspects not covered in and possible shortcomings
in the current harmonised standards supporting the safety objectives of the Low
Voltage Directive[31];

(2) 
safety aspects of electrical products that due
to their characteristics e.g. child appealing, may be unsafe for segments of the
population that are particularly vulnerable.

3.2.29. Water transport – Recreational craft

The Recreational Craft Directive has been
recently revised[32] therefore development and updating of harmonised standards shall be
made via a new mandate.

The following items may be the subject of
specific standardisation requests or new mandates if necessary:

(3) 
recreational craft — reciprocating internal
combustion engines’ exhaust emissions measurement — test-bed measurement of
gaseous and particulate exhaust emissions;

(4) 
safety aspects of electrical circuits with
respect to electric or hybrid propulsion systems;

(5) 
aspects not covered in and possible shortcomings
in the current harmonised standards supporting the safety objectives of the
Recreational Craft Directive[33].

The Commission may ask that test and
certification procedures for the fire-proofing of composite materials to be
used on vessels are developed with the aim of fostering their acceptance in International
Maritime Organization. This may lead to specific standardisation related
actions.

3.2.30. 
Safety in workplace

The enforcement of the Directive[34] on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the
exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (electromagnetic
fields) repeals Directive 2004/40/EC.

The Commission envisages either to amend the
existing mandate M/351 or to issue a new mandate to the European standardisation
organisations to develop harmonised standards in support of Directive
2013/35/EU.

3.2.31. Defence

The recent Communication[35] on the defence and security sectors highlighted that the use of
common defence standards greatly enhances co-operation and interoperability as
well as the competitiveness of Europe's industry especially in emerging
technologies. This approach was supported by the European Council in its
Conclusions on the Common Security & Defence Policy of 19th December
2013. The Commission will be working with the European Defence Agency to
examine ways to promote the use of common standards in defence and in other
areas referred to in the Communication. Any work taken forward in this
area would not duplicate NATO activities.

3.2.32. Maritime Affairs

The Commission will be working to examine ways
to promote the use of common standards in maritime affairs. This work will
support inter alia the Commission's initiative on the Common Information
Sharing Environment for the surveillance of the EU maritime domain (Maritime
CISE[36]) and in particular defence-civil cooperation.

Of particular importance is the enhancement of
information exchange between different sectorial functions, in particular
between defence and other sectors, by making maritime surveillance systems interoperable
through the use of common standards.

3.3. 
Digital Agenda for Europe[37]

Standards are indispensable for
interoperability between ICT products, services, applications and digital
content which is crucial for building an effective digital society. Given the
global nature of the ICT market, cooperation between the ESOs and relevant fora
and consortia is needed to cope with the ever-growing demand for standards to
support interoperability in this fast evolving domain.

The rolling plan for ICT standardisation[38]
identifies in greater detail the areas where standards could help achieve
ICT-related policy objectives including through complementary interoperability
testing and awareness actions to ensure the effective uptake of standards.

3.3.1. 
eHealth

Studies show that European and international
standards are often not specific enough to ensure interoperability of ICT
solutions in eHealth. Seeking the endorsement of the eHealth Network and
consulting the eHealth Stakeholders’ Group, more detailed specifications, including
interoperability testing guidelines and quality management systems, for
the cross-border exchange of data (i.e. in patient summaries or
ePrescription), to be used e.g. in public procurement, will be identified
to contribute to the eHealth Interoperability Framework.

The Commission proposes to boost
interoperability by further developing and validating specifications and
components and, if necessary, through standardisation mandates.

3.3.2. 
Radio frequency identification (RFID)

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.4.2 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.3.3. 
eSkills and eLearning

The implementation of the action referred to in point 2.4.3 of the
Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of
this UWP.

3.3.4. 
Online dispute resolution (ODR) for eCommerce[39]

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.4.6 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.3.5. 
The Internet of Things
(IoT)

The
implementation of the action referred to in point 2.4.7 of the Commission’s
2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of this UWP.

3.3.6. 
Electronic identification and trust services
including electronic signatures

The Council is expected to adopt in the second
half of 2014 a Regulation on electronic identification and trust services for
electronic transactions in the internal market[40]. It will replace the Directive[41] on electronic signatures, and will expand its scope to address
electronic identification, signatures, seals, timestamps, delivery, documents
or website authentication certificates. A new standardisation request may be
needed to support its implementation.

3.3.7. 
Card, internet and mobile payments

The implementation of the action referred to in point 2.4.9 of the
Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be considered as part of
this UWP.

3.3.8. 
Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)[42]

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.4.10 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

The Commission is considering issuing a
standardisation request to develop standards for the future generation eCall
services, taking into account the evolution of mobile communication networks
and the IP environment and also considering a wider range of vehicle types and
services, such as Heavy Duty Vehicles, Power Two Wheelers or Hazardous Goods
tracking.

3.3.9. 
Broadband infrastructure mapping

The European Parliament and the Council recently
adopted Directive 2014/61/EU on measures to reduce the cost of deploying
high-speed electronic communications networks. In this context, information
about physical infrastructures available in the area of deployment should be
made available.

The Commission may consider a standardisation
request for a common language available for use by Regulatory Authorities,
Ministries and Operators/Utilities and include a set of successive standardised
layers of authorization, details, type (service, infrastructure, demand,
investment maps...). This standard for broadband infrastructure mapping should
benefit as much as possible from the INSPIRE[43] technical guidance for regulation 1253/2013[44] .

3.3.10. 
eProcurement[45]/eCatalogues

e-Procurement technology interoperability and
standardisation is a key strategy to remove technical barriers or extra costs
when suppliers bid on a plurality of systems.  In order to achieve a true
single market, bidders including SMEs ideally should be able to communicate and
participate, in multiple markets across various systems, through their
favourite or a common system. The need for standardisation in the e-Procurement
domain was strongly reaffirmed by the e-Tendering Expert (eTEG) group in a
report issued in February 2013, which included a number of standardisation
actions to be undertaken as soon as possible.

3.3.11. 
Online gambling services

As announced in the Communication "Towards
a comprehensive European framework for online gambling"[46] the Commission is considering the merits of introducing standards for
gambling equipment. Certification of online gambling equipment including
gambling software is commonly required by Member States' competent authorities
in connection with an application for a gambling licence. A comparable level of
security of online gambling in the EU is also aimed at a reduction of
unnecessary administrative burdens relating to the different national
certification procedures. To this end, the Commission will work with Member
States through the group of experts on gambling services and with industry
stakeholders including accreditation and standardisation organisations so as to
benefit from shared knowledge and experience.

3.4. 
Climate change and Resource Efficient Europe[47]
3.4.1. 
Fluorinated greenhouse gases

The new Regulation on fluorinated greenhouse
gases (No 517/2014) introduces far-reaching policy changes to reduce the use of
fluorinated gases in equipment such as air conditioning, refrigeration, foams,
fire protection and aerosols. Hence the Commission foresees the following
actions:

· 
mapping existing standards and their relevance
for the equipment types affected by the new fluorinated gas Regulation;

· 
making recommendations on a review, update and
possible harmonisation of these standards based on technological progress to
enable the safe use of climate-friendly alternatives and removing unnecessary
barriers to their uptake;

· 
launching a review process in areas where this
is deemed necessary.

3.4.2. 
Green Infrastructure

The strategy on Green Infrastructure[48]
identifies standards as possibly contributing to 'growing the market' for Green
Infrastructure solutions. The Commission will assess how technical standards,
particularly in relation to physical building blocks and procedures, could
increase the deployment of Green Infrastructure. Input from stakeholders and
Member States, and through a study contract, the final results of which are
expected in 2015, should help in considering the need for a mandate on further
harmonising or developing Green Infrastructure-related standards.

3.4.3. 
Sustainable food

The implementation of the action referred to in
point 2.5.5 of the Commission’s 2014 annual work programme is still to be
considered as part of this UWP.

3.4.4. 
Sustainable use of phosphorus

Following up to the commitment made in the
Roadmap to a resource-efficient Europe[49],
the Commission published in 2013 a Consultative Communication[50] on
the sustainable use of phosphorus. The follow up activities and policy actions
to the consultation may lead to possible standardisation activities.

4. 
International Dimension of European Standardisation

The overall objective is to strengthen the
global reach and the competitiveness of European industry by reducing technical
barriers to trade. The use of common or technically aligned standards supports
the exchange of goods and services by increasing interoperability at global
level. Better harmonisation of environmental impact measurement standards allow
for a more level playing field for industry. The objective will be pursued by:

· 
Aiming for the widest possible coherence between
international and European standards (primacy of international standardisation
with a strong European lead in many sectors).

· 
Promoting the technical alignment with (or the
adoption of) international or European standards outside Europe whenever
possible, in order to reduce technical barriers to trade.

· 
Capitalising on international cooperation in
research and innovation to foster the international alignment of technical
specifications and requirements.

· 
Raising awareness and promoting the advantages
of European standardisation as a coherent regional system embedded in and fully
supporting international standardisation and multilateral regulations. In
particular, transferring know-how and experience of the well-functioning
European model of voluntary standards supporting regulations and public
policies, conformity assessment and market surveillance activities.

· 
Contributing to the bilateral regulatory/policy
dialogues between the EU and third countries, as well as to the relevant
chapters of free trade agreements negotiations. The current priorities, in
order of relevance, focus on the US (direct involvement on the Transatlantic
Trade and Investment Partnership negotiations), China (EU-China 2020 Strategic
Agenda for Cooperation, regulatory and industrial policy dialogue, innovation
cooperation dialogue), Russia – in close co-operation with the European External
Action Service– supporting the modernisation partnership, India, and Japan. Dialogues
with Latin America, especially Brazil, Korea, and ASEAN will also be monitored.

· 
Extending the single market in particular
through the process of the enlargement of the European Union, the European
Neighbourhood policy, and the negotiation of Agreements on Conformity
Assessment and Acceptance of industrial products with third countries adopting
European product safety legislation supported by European standards.

· 
Strategic actions in priority countries
consisting of:

· 
European standardisation experts seconded to India and China (renewal of project) ensuring a local presence of European standardisation and a
flow of information on access to these key markets; Brazil has been identified
as a new candidate, with possible extension to the Mercosur region;

· 
Web-based standardisation information platforms,
with China[51],
where the emphasis is on maintaining the project and extending its coverage
beyond the current sectors, and perhaps in the future with the US, mapping the
respective standardisation landscapes including market access aspects directly
related to standardisation;

· 
Supporting the strengthening of African
capacities in the area of standards, in accordance with the Joint Africa-EU
Strategy and its Roadmap 2014-17, notably through a technical and policy
dialogue with relevant African standardisation and regional organisations (for
example the recently established African Union PAQI, Pan-African Quality
infrastructure).

5. 
Specific strategic actions
5.1. 
Financial support to European stakeholder
organisations

The Commission will organise during the third
trimester of 2014 calls for proposals in relation to European representation of
SMEs, consumers and environmental and social stakeholder organisations in
standardisation work. While this will facilitate SME participation by providing
financing, the Commission will also continue to support specific projects
facilitating SME access and participation in standardisation.

5.2. 
Intellectual property rights (IPR) in standards

The Commission will continue its actions
towards the ESOs in order to clarify the rules on the use of intellectual
property rights (IPR) in standards. It is expected that the ESOs will develop a
platform allowing and facilitating the use of patents and new technologies in
the development of standards.

5.3. 
Multi-stakeholder platform for ICT
standardisation

The Commission will
continue its work on ICT standardisation via the multi-stakeholder platform
which is one of the innovations of the 2011 standardisation package. The
permanent dialogue between public authorities, stakeholders and standards
development organisations, including global fora and consortia, has proven, in
the short time since it was set-up to be able to respond to the fast nature of
developments in this field. A rolling plan for ICT standardisation has been
developed in collaboration with the multi-stakeholder platform to set out in detail
the regulatory context and the corresponding supporting standardisation
activities.

5.4. 
Horizon 2020

The development and implementation of research
and innovation agendas including through standardisation is essential in
addressing competitiveness. Horizon 2020 will give strong support to the market
uptake of innovation, in particular to supporting standardisation through
research and putting science into standards. Standardisation activities are an
essential channel for the market adoption of research results and for the
diffusion of innovations.

5.5. 
Mandated work programmes under old mandates

Since the late 1980s the Commission has issued
a number of standardisation requests asking the ESOs to develop European
standards or to perform other standardisation related activities. Some of those
mandates are for non-recurring actions (like studies) while some mandates
relate to the development of European standards and also to maintain those
standards by revising them regularly.

Considering that the legal format of a mandate
has varied during the years and the fact that according to Article 10 of
Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012 mandates are now Implementing Acts, it is very
important to have a common understanding on: (i) which old mandates are still
valid to establish new European standards in support of Union legislation and
policies, and (ii) which mandates should be regarded as completed or expired.
The Commission will clarify the situation together with the ESOs in order to
have a common basis for all mandated standardisation and, in particular, to
ensure that principles on developing harmonised standards are equally
implemented by the ESOs.

[1]               COM(2010) 2020 final

[2]               COM(2014) 14

[3]               COM(2011) 311 final

[4]               Regulation (EU) No 1025/2012

[5]               EUCO 7/1/14 REV 1

[6]               COM(2012) 433 final

[7]               Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom

[8]               COM(2011) 571

[9]               COM(2013)886

[10]             2004/107/EC

[11]             2010/75/EU

[12]             https://ec.europa.eu/eip/raw-materials/en/content/about-sip

[13]             COM(2012) 082 final

[14]             Directive 2014/40/EU

[15]             Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011

[16]             Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006

[17]             Directive 2004/52/EC

[18]             Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 and revised Directive
96/53/EC

[19]             http://ec.europa.eu/smart-regulation/impact/planned_ia/docs/2013_move_001_e_freight.pdf

[20]             Directive 2010/65/EU

[21]             Directive 2002/59/EC

[22]             COM(2014)207 final of 8.4.2014

[23]             COM(2013)18

[24]             COM(2010)560

[25]             Directive 2000/60/EC

[26]             Directive 98/83/EC and Directive 2006/7/EC

[27]             Directive 2011/24/EU, Council Recommendation 2009/C 151/01

[28]             http://ec.europa.eu/health/medical-devices/documents/revision/index_en.htm

[29]             Directive 2004/22/EC

[30]             OJ L294 of 11.11.2009, p7

[31]             Directive 2006/95/EC

[32]             2013/53/EU

[33]             Directive 2003/44/EC

[34]             2013/35/EU

[35]             COM (2013) 542

[36]             COM/2009/0538 final and COM/2010/0584 final

[37]             COM(2010) 245

[38]             http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/ict/files/ict-policies/2010-2013_ict_standardisation_work_programme_2nd_update_en.pdf

[39]             OJ L 165, 18.6.2013, p. 1

[40]             http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/HIS/?uri=CELEX:52012PC0238

[41]             1999/93/EC

[42]             Directive 2010/40/EU, COM(2008) 886

[43]             http://inspire.ec.europa.eu/documents/Data_Specifications/INSPIRE_DataSpecification_US_v3.0.pdf

[44]             http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/LexUriServ.do?uri=OJ:L:2013:331:0001:0267:EN:PDF

[45]             COM(2013)453

[46]             COM(2012)596 final

[47]             COM(2011) 21

[48]             COM(2013)249

[49]             COM(2011) 571

[50]             COM(2013) 517

[51]             http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=6271&lang=en