To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the New Approach, the European Organisations CEN and CENELEC, major standards producers on the European scene, organised a Gala Evening, which took place on 29 November 2005 at the Caves de Cureghem (Brussels).

The strength and good health of the European economy are dependent on the development and well-functioning of both the private and the public sectors. European Standards have an important influence on competitiveness, the reduction of trade barriers and the performance of the European economy within the global market; they also help ensure safety for citizens. 20 years ago the European Community introduced a system which is unique worldwide of co-operation between legislation and standardisation that has developed into one of the backbones of the Single Market - the New Approach. CEN and CENELEC have since produced over 3,000 European Standards supporting legislation.

During the event, a photography exhibition was displayed. The exhibition assembled a collection of photographs on the theme of "Standards for future generations". The contest has been launched earlier this year and encountered a real success as both organisations received around 38 pictures coming from different countries! The winner of the CEN/CENELEC European photo contest was announced during the gala evening. Fred Shiveley from Spain won the prize for his picture "Lanjarón Windfarm". The pictures participating in the contest will be exhibited during the conference at the European Commission and then toured through Europe to be displayed in the premises of the CEN and CENELEC members.

To commemorate this milestone, the two European Organisations produced a brochure describing CEN and CENELEC contribution to the New Approach directives. Standards from both organisations covering health, safety and environmental aspects were identified to highlight the benefits and successes of the standardisation work.

Following the social event, the European Commission held a conference on 30 November where Mrs Elena Santiago, CENELEC Director General and Mr Gunter De Clercq, Director Operational, were present. 

Media contact: Geneviève Feyt, tel:+32 2 519 68 67, gfeyt@cenelec.org.