MEP appointed rapporteur for EU standardization report

MEP Marlene Mizzi has been appointed the Internal Market and Consumer Protection Committee’s (IMCO) rapporteur on the report entitled ‘European standards for the 21st century’.

Mizzi’s report is a direct response to the ioint initiative on standardization, and the recently proposed standardization package that presents the Commission’s vision on how European standard setting should evolve in the light of technological developments, political priorities and global trends.

 “Standards affect everything around us, and they can reduce costs for both business and consumers, enhance performance, and improve safety,” Mizzi said.

“They can help avoid dangerous and hazardous substances to human health in food, water, cosmetics and other daily products. They are also key to boosting competitiveness and innovation for our businesses and products in the digital single market globally,” she added during the first meeting discussing the report.

Mizzi said that areas such as eHealth, smart energy, transport, and manufacturing among many others would benefit from the proposed prioritisation on standards.

“One example which comes to mind and affects us all , is the plugs  on the appliances and the electric switches which differ from one country to another'', Mizzi said.

“The EU is finally raising the political and strategic importance of ICT standardisation as a crucial element of the digital single market.”

Mizzi added that people often do not realise or perhaps are not aware of the importance standards have on everything they do, including using their cars, phones and internet among others.

“I am glad that I have been entrusted with drafting this report, which will have a real impact on people’s lives. And in these challenging times, I think it is extremely important to show our citizens the positive impact the EU has on our businesses and consumers.”

 Mizzi has pledged to promote the role of SMEs who often don’t have the resources to develop or buy standards which prevents them from innovating and expanding their business globally.

“We also need to know the nature of the standards, the way and the process standards are established  and even more importantly by whom they are established.”

 She added that the European standardisation system must become as inclusive as possible, involving consumers and other stakeholders such as trade unions, environmental NGOs, representatives of the elderly and disabled people, because they are there to improve lives.