Eurostandarden

Eurostandarden refers to the European standardization system for technical specifications used across Europe. It designates the European Standards (EN) published by European standardization bodies to harmonize requirements for products, services, and processes and to facilitate trade and interoperability within the European market.

The EN system is produced by three organizations: the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI). Standards are developed through committees, coordinated by these bodies, and published as European Standards. When a standard is adopted, member states may transpose it into national standard status with a national designation and year.

Harmonized standards are EN standards cited in EU or national directives. Following their use can provide a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of those directives, allowing products to carry the CE mark. National bodies may retain national forewords or foreseen deviations, but the goal is broad interoperability across borders.

EN standards are often aligned with ISO international standards to promote global compatibility, while still addressing European-specific needs. Notable areas include construction design (the Eurocodes, EN 1990–EN 1999) and medical electrical equipment (EN 60601-1, derived from IEC 60601). The European standardization framework supports a single market by reducing technical barriers to trade, improving safety and performance, and enabling cross-border use of products and services within the European Union and associated economies.