a
what was at stake
b
green position
c
what we achieved
d
what we did not achieve

European standardisation

Standardisation is a key element for determining the functioning of big industrial markets like the EU's internal market because it allows products to be marketed throughout the Union.

For a long time, European standardisation functioned on a basis of voluntary cooperation between European and national standardisation agencies and industry.

However, in many cases this cooperation is not very transparent, making it unclear why certain standardisation procedures are granted priority over others.

 

What was the Greens' position?

The Greens believe that standardisation should integrate small and medium enterprises (SMEs), environmental NGOs and the social partners, not just major industry.

We think it provides a solid basis for greater competition and increases the probability of improving product safety and social and environmental standards.

However, we believe that not all sectors can be harmonised by standardisation and that social and healthcare services should therefore be exempted from the rules governing standardisation.

 

Did other MEPs accept the Greens' position?

The Greens succeeded in securing the adoption of our amendments on the involvement of SMEs, the social partners and NGOs.

They themselves demanded representation without voting rights, so their position is now strengthened accordingly.

We also received majority support for our demand to exclude services of general interest, such as social services and healthcare services.

 

Which points did the Greens lose?
In general, the Greens were satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations.
Reference(s)
Committee:IMCO

Procedure:Ordinary legislative procedure

Reference(s):2011/0150(COD)

Lead MEP:Lara Comi (EPP)

Green MEP responsible:Heide Rühle

Voted:11/09/2012

Staff contact:Stany Grudzielski (Email)

Outcome of the vote
Below you find the results of the final vote in plenary. How did the political groups vote? What about national delegations? And what was the position of your MEP?