identifying, in their annual work programmes, the standardisation projects, which are of particular interests to SMEs.

Believes that the standardisation process will be partly accelerated through better consultation between the Commission and the ESOs prior to issuing a mandate, which will enable them to respond more quickly, preferably within a two-month period, about their possibility to undertake a standardisation project;

Stresses, however, that these principles are not in themselves sufficient to ensure that all stakeholders – in particular those representing health and safety, consumer and environmental interests – are adequately represented in the standard-setting process within the European standardisation system; considers, therefore, that a vital element is the addition of the principle of ‘appropriate representation’, given that it is of the utmost importance, whenever the public interest is concerned, to incorporate all stakeholder positions in an appropriate manner, especially in the development of standards intended to support EU legislation an ...[+++]d policies, while acknowledging the need to engage the most relevant technical experts for a given standardisation project;

Considering the substantial number of ongoing standardisation projects, the high costs of taking part in the standardisation work and the often scarce resources of stakeholders, there is a need for prioritisation.

During such revision procedures, environmental aspects should be considered systematically, just as at the start of the development of new standards programmes or projects, and made accessible in an appropriate format.

They also seek to promote electronic commerce awareness among businesses, public bodies and the general public, which will be the main priority of the Fifth RD Framework Programme. The Commission is also looking into standardisation projects and considering the legislation which will be necessary to remove legal uncertainties.