The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is a key instrument for consolidating the Single Market and strengthening the competitiveness of European businesses, thereby creating the conditions for economic growth. European standards constitute a valuable tool for facilitating cross-border trade, both within the European Single Market and with the rest of the world. They reduce unnecessary costs for suppliers and purchasers of products and services in both the public and private sectors. Standards can be used to improve safety and performance, increase energy efficiency, and protect consumers, workers, and the environment. They complement European and national policies in these areas and make it easier for businesses and other stakeholders to comply with relevant legislation.
Their aim is to develop high-quality standards for products and services that incorporate requirements regarding quality, safety, the environment, interoperability, and accessibility, proactively adapting to new trends and supporting European competitiveness, environmental protection, and sustainable growth for the well-being of citizens and the strengthening of the single market (European Economic Area).
A wide range of stakeholders participate in the work of CEN and CENELEC, including businesses, industry and commerce, service providers, public authorities, regulatory bodies, academic institutions and research centres, European trade associations, and interest groups representing environmentalists, consumers, trade unions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and other public and private institutions.
European standards are market-driven and are developed through a transparent, balanced, and consensus-based process involving the relevant stakeholders.
More than 200,000 technical experts from industry, associations, public administrations, academic institutions, and civil society organisations participate in the CEN and CENELEC network, notably:
- 34 member countries: national standards bodies (CEN) and electrotechnical standards committees (CENELEC), which constitute the final decision-making body within CEN and CENELEC;
- european organisations, associations, and federations representing stakeholders such as businesses, industry, consumers, environmental and social organisations, etc.;
- government bodies and other authorities, including the European Commission (EC) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA);
- affiliates, which are the national standardisation bodies/committees in countries cooperating with the European Union; and standardisation bodies with special associate status in other countries (and regions) outside Europe. Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with regions and countries outside the European Union and EFTA;
- International cooperation with ISO (CEN) and IEC (CENELEC).
Within this organisation, the committee responsible for the standardisation of irrigation techniques is CEN/TC 334 “Irrigation techniques”.
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CEN/TC334 Irrigation techniques
The CEN/TC334 committee is the European Technical Committee on Irrigation Techniques, operating under the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). It is responsible for developing standardized performance requirements, characteristics, and test methods for irrigation systems and equipment across Europe.
- Chair: Mr. Enrique Playán (Aula Dei - CSIC)
- Secretariat: UNE (Spain)
