3. CEN activities

3.1 Setting European standards (EN)

The preparation, adoption and publication of European standards (EN) is the core activity of CEN. The purpose of European standards is to propose technical practices and solutions to European industry and society as a whole. They thus contribute to the completion of the single market. They are the result of the search, throughout the development process, for a broad consensus, which presupposes: wide participation, a formal public inquiry stage, a final democratic vote and uniform application throughout Europe. These standards are based on a discipline common to all CEN national members.

The characteristics of European standards have led the European Union to use them as a tool in its policy to promote the free movement of goods....