Brussels, 22 January 2014

Representatives from CEN, CENELEC, ETSI (ESOs) and ANSI met in Brussels, Belgium on 21 and 22 January 2014 to advance discussions in formalizing cooperation on standardization matters.

Updates were provided by the European and US participants on progress made by their respective task forces in view of the potential formalization of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on standardization.

The purpose of this MoU is solely to facilitate cooperation activities in the field of standardization among the four private bodies ANSI, CEN, CENELEC and ETSI. Participants recalled the principle that their discussions are not intended to substitute in any way for ongoing talks between negotiators over any potential trade agreements.

The texts of the draft Memorandum of Understanding and the accompanying initial schedule of proposed activities were extensively discussed. Concrete elements and action items were incorporated in the schedule of activities, to reach a common view on the goals and deliverables.

The next set of follow-up meeting dates, responsibilities and communication mechanisms were identified with a view to finalize and sign the Memorandum of Understanding in 2014.