ETSI and European Commission strengthen focus on strategic digital standardisation

ETSI and the European Commission have reaffirmed their strategic partnership on digital standardisation, with senior representatives meeting in Brussels on 22 September to discuss how standards can support Europe’s technological and economic objectives.

The discussions focused on the need for standardisation to keep pace with rapidly developing technologies while helping turn European policy objectives into practical and globally deployable solutions. Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director-General of DG CONNECT, described standards as a prerequisite for technological progress and linked their role to the EU’s ambition to remain a technology maker rather than a technology taker.

The meeting also addressed Europe’s growing focus on technological sovereignty and economic security. Nikolay stressed that this should not imply isolation, while calling for standardisation that remains agile, open and supported by technical expertise. ETSI Chair Bettina Funk similarly highlighted the connection between policy decisions and technical specifications, describing standards as a bridge between policy ambitions and real-world technologies.

ETSI Director-General Jan Ellsberger presented the organisation’s approach around four principles: innovate, standardise, compete and safeguard. He also highlighted partnerships and international engagement as tools for strengthening competition and ensuring that European standardisation has global reach, while maintaining ETSI’s principles of transparency, openness and trusted governance.

The discussions included the European Product Act package, the future of European standardisation and experience from the Cyber Resilience Act. Valère Moutarlier, Deputy Director-General of DG GROW, described ETSI as an important part of the European standardisation system and stressed the need for greater flexibility, anticipation and simplification as technologies evolve. The Cyber Resilience Act was cited as an example of the growing role of standards in emerging technology and cybersecurity.

International cooperation was another focus. Participants discussed how ETSI can help translate European policy priorities and stakeholder needs into standards that can be used in global markets. Its work in areas including digital identity, electronic signatures, cybersecurity, Consumer IoT and ICT accessibility was highlighted alongside international initiatives such as SESEI, InDiCo-Global, GIST and SESEC.

The meeting also looked ahead to AI and 6G, with participants stressing the importance of stronger links between research and standardisation. Closer engagement with universities, researchers and young professionals was identified as part of this effort.

The discussions reaffirmed the shared objective of developing standardisation that can respond quickly to technological change while supporting trusted, innovative and internationally relevant digital technologies.