As part of the EU’s 2025 Competitiveness Compass, the Revision of the Standardisation Regulation (EU No 1025/2012) is a flagship initiative to make the development and application of harmonised standards faster, fairer, and more future-ready across the single market.
Why this matters
A 2024 public evaluation revealed key challenges:
- Standard development takes an average of six years
- Processes are complex and non-transparent
- SMEs and civil society often lack access and influence
What’s changing
The revision aims to:
- Accelerate the creation of harmonised standards, especially for emerging technologies
- Broaden participation, giving SMEs, trade unions, consumers, and environmental groups a stronger voice
- Improve transparency and access, addressing key rulings like the “Malamud” decision
- Strengthen EU leadership in global standard-setting through better coordination among European Standardisation Organisations (ESOs) and Member States
What’s next
Legislative proposal in 2026
The goal
To align EU standardisation with strategic priorities in technology, sustainability, and competitiveness—ensuring the single market remains agile, inclusive, and globally influential.