Standards are everywhere in daily life each time quality, efficiency, security and compatibility are at stake. Tables, doors, paper sizes and railway tracks are all produced according to a standard. Training and services, for example of call centre operators or translators, may also be carried out in accordance with a European Standard.
CEN operates in most areas of economic activity as shown in the list at the left. CEN provides a response to the sector needs. This diversity provides CEN with unique insight into the developments in European industry. I also allows the spread of best practice between sectors, with many subsequent benefits to the European economy.
To stay competitive and be successful, Europe needs to change and adapt. European Standards help Europe move from strength to strength. The expert-designed, consensus-built nature of standards, make them an effective tool for forging trust in the marketplace – with a lighter touch than regulations.
Standardization work in sectors such as services, tourism, sustainable construction, ICT and nanotechnolgy put CEN at the forefront of efforts to strengthen European business, particularly in areas of rapid expansion and converging technologies. Part of the ongoing process of developing the CEN system includes expanding the use of standards into new markets.
This section allows you to enter by business area and find out more about standardization activities in the various sectors.