The European Single Market is undergoing one of its most significant regulatory transformations in decades. Three interlocking legislative frameworks, the Standardisation Regulation, the New Legislative Framework (NLF), and the Market Surveillance Regulation, are being revised in parallel. The European Commission is expected to present a consolidated EU Product Act in autumn 2026, reshaping the rules governing how products are designed, standardised, placed on the market, and monitored across the EU.
In this context, the voice of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is essential. Standards are a strategic tool shaping market access, innovation, and competitiveness for businesses of all sizes, yet SMEs remain structurally underrepresented in European standardisation bodies. Small Business Standards (SBS) is the European organisation dedicated to addressing this gap, creating dedicated moments to put small business voices at the centre of policy dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and stakeholder engagement.
Now in its 4th Edition, Meeting Standards is SBS’s flagship initiative bringing together EU policymakers, industry stakeholders, and civil society around this agenda. With the EU Product Act on the horizon, the 2026 edition arrives at a uniquely consequential moment, making it the natural setting to convene decision-makers, SME representatives, and standards bodies around the future of the Single Market. SBS marks this legislative turning point by combining its annual stakeholder reception with the inaugural SBS Awards Ceremony, celebrating outstanding contributions to SME-inclusive standardisation.
The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is actively producing an opinion on the revision of the Standardisation Regulation, reflecting the importance of civil society input in shaping the final legislative outcome. This event is organised in close alignment with this ongoing work, offering a timely opportunity for dialogue between the EESC, policymakers, and SME stakeholders.
Registration for the event open soon.
AGENDA
17:30 – 17:45 | Welcome & Opening Remarks
· Séamus Boland – President | European Economic and Social Committee
17:45 – 18:30 | Keynote: Three Frameworks, One Market:
The Standardisation Regulation, the New Legislative Framework (NLF), and the Market Surveillance Regulation under revision.
· Valère MOUTARLIER – Deputy Director General | DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) – European Commission
· Iuliu WINKLER – Vice-Chair Committee on International Trade (INTA) | European Parliament
18:30 – 18:40 | Introduction to the SBS Awards — Purpose and Selection Criteria
· Jon Echanove | SBS Secretary General
18:40 – 19:00 | Award Acceptance Speeches
19 :00 – 19 :30 | Networking cocktail
Venue
EESC European Economic and Social Committee – Rue Belliard 99/101, Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Bruxelles – 1040 Belgium
