(Photo 1: Group photo)

On 21 January, the EU-funded Seconded European Standardization Expert in China (SESEC) Project hosted the 2025 Annual EU-China Standardization Roundtable and Appreciation Event in Beijing. The event was attended by about 100 participants from key European and Chinese organizations and offered a valuable opportunity for stakeholders from both sides to meet and exchange views on issues of common interest.

Ms. Matilde Cenacchi, Policy Officer in the Trade Section, on behalf of the EU Delegation to China delivered opening remarks on standardization efforts in Europe. She provided an overview of current challenges in Europe and worldwide. Particularly regarding global issues, she stressed that standards should be part of the solution, rather than part of the problem. International standards offer the best avenue for cooperation for the EU and China, while reaching a level playing field is essential to achieve balanced, reciprocal and mutually beneficial trade and economic relations.

European Union, 2025

(Photo 2: Opening remarks by Ms. Matilde Cenacchi on behalf of the EU Delegation to China.)

Launched in May 2006, the SESEC project aims to raise awareness on the European Standardization System, values and assets in China. From the beginning, the project has been supported and operated by a consortium comprising the European Committee for Standardization (CEN), the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) and the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), as well as by the European Commission’s Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs  (EC DG GROW) and by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

European Union, 2025

(Photo 3: Presentation from European stakeholders.)

European Union, 2025

(Photo 4: Presentation from Chinese stakeholders.)