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Join key players in European standardization for a day of networking and discussion about Europe's standardization system. The event will examining issues such as the ongoing evaluation of Regulation 1025/2012, the pressing need to attract and retain skilled experts, and the strategic role of standards in facilitating international trade and fostering competitiveness.

Breakfast and lunch will be served. Online participation option available for international attendees.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

9:00-9:30am - Registration & Welcome Coffee

9:30-9:45am - Opening Remarks by the European Commission

9:45-10:45am - Panel 1: The Future of EU Standards: Navigating the evolution of the ESS

10:45-11:00am - Coffee Break

11:00-11:55am - Panel 2: Building the future: attracting talent to the world of standards

12:00-12:45pm - Panel 3: Standards and global trade: unlocking investment opportunities

12:45-12:50pm - Closing Remarks

12:50-14:00pm - Networking Lunch

PROGRAM SESSIONS

Introductory words and opening remarks:

Brief Welcome: Jeremy Rollison, Head of EU Policy, Microsoft

Opening remarks: Thibault Kleiner, Director of Policy Strategy and Outreach, DG CNECT

Panel 1: The Future of EU Standards: Navigating the evolution of the ESS – 9:45-10:45am

As Europe’s standardization landscape evolves, stakeholders from various sectors are reflecting on how well the current system meets emerging challenges and opportunities. This panel brings together representatives from European Standardization Organizations (ESOs) and industry leaders to explore the direction of EU standards, with a focus on the ongoing evaluation of Regulation 1025/2012, a key pillar of European standardization policy.

The evaluation has sparked diverse views. Some argue the Regulation is future proof, effectively addressing the needs of the European standardization system. Others believe it is outdated and doesn’t sufficiently address newer strategic objectives. A third perspective suggests the Regulation is sound but faces implementation challenges, particularly around stakeholder involvement, the role of Harmonized Standards (HAS) consultants, and the timely assessment and citation of harmonized standards.

The panel aims to assess whether the Regulation should remain unchanged, recognizing its strengths, or if adjustments are needed. The system must not only maintain Europe’s role as a global standard-setter but also align with international standardization bodies, avoiding trade barriers, especially in the context of emerging digital technologies. By engaging diverse perspectives, this discussion will highlight the key elements needed for a future-proof standardization framework, while considering whether the current Regulation already provides a solid foundation for success.

Moderator:

Stephane Du Boispean, Director of EU and France Government Affairs at Intel

Speakers:

Catherine Vigneron, Deputy Director Standards at CEN-CENELEC

Federica Boledi, Manager for Internal Market and Digital at ORGALIM

Jochen Friedrich, Technical Relations Executive at IBM

Andrea Raffaelli, Policy Officer and Experts Coordinator at Small Business Standards

Panel 2: Building the future: attracting talent to the world of standards – 11:00-11:55am

The sustainability and success of the European standardization system depend on attracting and retaining top talent from industry, public administration, civil society, research, and academia. As Europe seeks to maintain global leadership in standard-setting, the need for a new generation of skilled, diverse experts has never been more urgent. This panel will explore strategies and resources to make careers in standardization appealing, particularly for students and young professionals who might otherwise pursue more traditional sectors.

In a rapidly changing world driven by digital transformation, sustainability, and resilience, standardization offers unique opportunities to shape the future. The panel will discuss how to enhance the visibility and appeal of standards work, emphasizing the vital role diversity - across gender, background, and perspective - plays in enriching the process and ensuring truly inclusive and effective standards.

The discussion will highlight the importance of fostering a diverse talent pool that reflects society, ensuring Europe’s standardization system can draw from the best minds. By doing so, Europe can continue to deliver high-quality standards that support its digital, green, and resilient market, while reinforcing its global position and trade ties.

Featuring perspectives from large companies, SMEs, and leading standardization bodies, this panel will offer a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in building the future of standards through talent attraction and diversity.

Moderator:

Eloise Ryon, Senior Manager for Europe Digital Policy at Schneider Electric

Speakers:

Mercedes Mira Costa, Senior Program Manager Industry Standards at HP Belgium BV

Gergo Kottra, Counsellor for Telecommunications and Information Society, Hungarian Presidency of the Council

Jan Ellsberger, Director General at ETSI

Justina Bieliauskaite, Innovation Director at European DIGITAL SME Alliance

Panel 3: Standards and global trade: fostering competitiveness (or unlocking investment opportunities) – 12:00-12:45pm

Standards are often seen as technical and specialized, yet they play a crucial role in shaping global trade and investment flows. This panel will explore the strategic importance of standards in facilitating international trade and fostering a favorable investment climate. With interconnected global markets, aligning standards across borders is key to reducing trade barriers, ensuring product quality, and driving innovation.

The discussion will focus on the interdependencies between standards and trade, showing how well-crafted, widely adopted standards can open new markets and attract investment by providing clarity, reducing risks, and building trust among trading partners.

Additionally, the panel will highlight the role of policymakers in creating a standardization environment that supports free and fair trade while promoting economic growth and innovation. In an era of geopolitical instability and technological competition, an open standardization system is even more essential. The panel will explore how Europe can leverage its standardization strengths to maintain a competitive edge, secure supply chains, and attract investment in key sectors.

Featuring insights from trade experts, industry leaders, and academics, this panel will highlight the often-overlooked strategic role of standards in global trade, emphasizing the need for high-quality, globally aligned standards to unlock investment, support market access, and strengthen Europe’s leadership in trade and innovation.

Moderator:

Guido Lobrano, SVP and Director General for Europe at 91¿ì»îÁÖ

Speakers:

Olivier Colas, Senior Director International Standards at Microsoft

Lucian Cernat, Head of Global Regulatory Cooperation and International Procurement Negotiations at DG Trade, European Commission

Hildegunn Kyvik Nordås, Senior Associate at Council on Economic Policies

Magnus Madfors, Head of Technical Regulations at Ericsson (TBC)