New ‘Societal Stakeholders’ Toolbox launched by CEN-CENELEC

On 22nd January, CEN-CENELEC launched a new online toolbox which aims to explain the European standardisation process to consumers and other societal stakeholders. This new instrument is called ‘Societal Stakeholders’ Toolbox and is intended in particular to support the participation of organizations that are concerned with defending the interests of consumers, protecting the environment, and promoting the health and safety of workers. By enabling the organisations representing societal stakeholders to participate in the development of standards, the new instrument will help to ensure that all relevant concerns will be taken into account during the drafting process. For instance, it provides practical advice to organizations representing consumers, workers and environmental interests on where to find information about ongoing standardization activities and how they can contribute to the standards development process at national, European and international levels. The toolbox has been developed by CEN and CENELEC in the framework of their ongoing collaboration with three umbrella organizations that represent the interests of specific interest groups within the European Standardization System: ANEC (the European consumer voice in standardisation), ECOS (European Environmental Citizens Organisation for Standardisation) and ETUI (European Trade Union Institute – Health and Safety Department). Small Business Standards President Gunilla Almgren welcomed this strategy of openness and involvement and commented: “We can feel that something is changing! The recognition from the European standardisation system to societal stakeholders and SMEs is a first step towards the implementation of the basic principles introduced by the Standardisation Regulation 1025.” The 'Societal Stakeholders’ Toolbox' can be accessed from the homepage of the CEN-CENELEC website. Please visit this webpage to have a direct access: http://www.cencenelec.eu/societal/interests/Pages/default.aspx