Stakeholders in the IPP Regular Meetings
Name of the stakeholder1st Participation in the IPP Regular Meeting / About the Stakeholder
Web link for more details / Reason to include/ keep them
ANEC
23/11/2005 / ANEC is the European consumer voice in standardisation. This means ANEC represents the European consumer interest in the creation of technical standards, especially thosedeveloped to support the implementation of European laws and public policies.
ANEC participates principally through its voluntary experts in the standards development work of the three European Standards Organisations (ESOs) recognised by the European Union and EFTA:
- CEN (
- CENELEC (
- ETSI (
ANEC also has an interest in the use of standards and the use of certification schemes that demonstrate conformity to standards (such as the GS Mark in Germany and the European ‘Keymark’). We also seek to influence the development or revision of European legislation related to products and services which is likely to affect the consumer.
The representation of consumers in the European standardisation process is a public interest activity dependent upon European public funding. Hence the ANEC budget is financed by the European Union (95%) and EFTA (5%).
In 2009, the ANEC budget totals 1,5M€. The participation of our voluntary experts is considered by the European Commission and EFTA Secretariat as a contribution in kind. In 2007, the ANEC Secretariat calculated the value of this contribution to be 260.000€.
ANEC is an international non-profit association established under Belgian law with a central secretariat in Brussels, Belgium. We are recognised by the European Commission and EFTA Secretariat and are a full member of the European Consumer Consultative Group (ECCG).
/ Key civil society partner in the implementation of the SCP/SIP Action Plan. Very proactive organization in providing input for policy formulation as well
BEUC
24/02/2004 / BEUC, the European Consumers’ Organisation has a membership of 44 well respected, independent national consumer organisations from 31 European countries (EU, EEA and applicant countries). BEUC acts asthe umbrellagroup inBrusselsfor these organisations and our main task is to represent our members and defend the interests of all Europe’s consumers.
BEUC was created on 6 March 1962 by the consumer organisations of Belgium, Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands, Italy and Germany. After working together for a number of years, these organisations decided to create a European association, based in Brussels.
BEUC was a pioneer, one of the first lobbying organisations to set up base in the European capital in a bid to influence the decision-making process. Many others followed, and the number of lobbyists rose exponentially to the present -day figure of over 15,000.
BEUC supports the empowerment of consumers through competitive markets, but complemented by health and safety safeguards. Only safe products and services, which do not put at risk our health, future generations or the environment, should be available on the EU market. Where consumers cannot be empowered, regulatory measures must protect their economic and legal interests. This is especially essential for vulnerable consumers. We work to ensure that consumer policy at EU level is sustainable for all; “sustainability” not only meaning respect and protection of the environment, including climate change, but also reduction of negative social and economic impacts, while improving well-being for all, without compromising the needs of our children’s grand- children… This means that vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and lowincome consumers, are taken into account when designing policy.
In addition to pure lobbying activities, BEUC also formally represents consumers within the decision-making process. BEUC has a seat on the European Consumer Consultative Group (ECCG) and experts from our member organisations participate in various European Commission advisory groups, such as the Agriculture DG’s agricultural advisory groups or the Internal Market DG’s Payment Systems Market Expert Group (PSMEG). Outside Europe, BEUC is an associate member of the international consumer organisation, Consumers International (CI). BEUC also plays an active role in the TransAtlantic Consumer Dialogue (TACD), which is designed to promote contacts and exchanges with our colleagues in the US. Our aim, in close collaboration with Consumers International, is to ensure consumer concerns are taken into account also at global level.
/ They are part of the participants to this meeting since the set up of the IPP Regular Meeting
BUSINESSEUROPE (former UNICE)
24/02/2004 / BUSINESSEUROPE plays a crucial role in Europe as the main horizontal business organisation at EU level. Through its 40 member federations, BUSINESSEUROPE represents 20 million companies from 34 countries. Its main task is to ensure that companies' interests are represented and defended
vis-à-vis the European institutions with the principal aim of preserving and strengthening corporate competitiveness. BUSINESSEUROPE is active
in the European social dialogue to promote the smooth functioning of labour markets.
/ They are part of the participants to this meeting since the set up of the IPP Regular Meeting
Key industrial partner for the implementation of the SCP/SIP Action Plan
CEN
24/02/2004 / The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) is a business facilitator in Europe, removing trade barriers for European industry and consumers. Its mission is to foster the European economy in global trading, the welfare of European citizens and the environment. Through its services it provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical specifications.
CEN is a major provider of European Standards and technical specifications. It is the only recognized European organization according to Directive 98/34/EC for the planning, drafting and adoption of European Standards in all areas of economic activity with the exeption of electrotechnology (CENELEC) and telecommunication (ETSI).
CEN's 31 National Members work together to develop voluntary European Standards (ENs).
These standards have a unique status since they also are national standards in each of its 31 Member countries. With one common standard in all these countries and every conflicting national standard withdrawn, a product can reach a far wider market with much lower development and testing costs. ENs help build a European Internal Market for goods and services and position Europe in the global economy. More than 60.000 technical experts as well as business federations, consumer and other societal interest organizations are involved in the CEN network that reaches over 480 million people.
In a globalized world, the need for international standards simply makes sense. The Vienna Agreement − signed by CEN in 1991 withISO (International Organization for Standardization), its international counterpart − ensures technical cooperation by correspondence, mutual representation at meetings and coordination meetings, and adoption of the same text, as both an ISO Standard and a European Standard.
/ They are part of the participants to this meeting since the set up of the IPP Regular Meeting
ECOS / ECOS is an umbrella organisation of Environmental NGOs created to enhance the voice of environmental protection in standardisation and other technical processes.
ECOS aims at increasing the ecological performance of products, ensuring sound measurement methods for pollutants, greening management systems in businesses and improving consumer information towards sustainable consumption.
ECOS is mainly involved in monitoring the activities of the international standardisation bodies (CEN, CENELEC, ISO, IEC) and some of the product policies at EU level with a high technical content (such as the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling directives).
ECOS is a membership organisation, open to NGOs active on a European or national level. It was established in 2002 as a non-profit association under Belgian law ("asbl"). It is currently funded by membership fees, the European Commission, the European Climate Foundation, the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and the UK Market Transformation Program. Its secretariat is based in Brussels.
For more information about ECOS’ budget, the breakdown of funding sources and its involvement in lobbying activities, please consult our entry in the EC register of interest representatives.
/ Ecos proved to have extensive knowledge and experience in key files of the SCP/SIP Action Plan, contribution for instance to the development of Ecodesign implementing measures
ETUC
24/02/2004 / The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) was set up in 1973 to promote the interests of working people at European level and to represent them in the EU institutions.
The process of European integration, with the euro, the European Constitution, and the growing impact of EU legislation on daily life, has changed the setting in which trade unions operate. To defend and bargain for their members effectively at national level, they must coordinate activities and policies across Europe. To influence the economy and society at large, they need to speak with a single voice and act collectively at European level. This is the challenge that the European Trade Union Confederation has taken up.The ETUC’s objective is an EU with a strong social dimension that safeguards the wellbeing of all its citizens. Committed to building a unified European trade union movement, it already had a large number of new trade union affiliates in Central and Eastern Europe before EU enlargement in May 2004.
At present, the ETUC has in membership 83 National Trade Union Confederations from 36 European countries, as well as 12 European industry federations, making a total of 60 million members, plus observer organisations in Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Other trade Union structures such as EUROCADRES (the Council of European Professional and Managerial Staff) and EFREP/FERPA (European Federation of Retired and Elderly Persons) operate under the auspices of the ETUC. In addition, the ETUC coordinates the activities of the 44 IRTUCs (Interregional Trade Union Councils), which organise trade union cooperation at a cross-border level.
The ETUC is one of the European social partners and is recognised by the European Union, by the Council of Europe and by EFTA as the only representative cross-sectoral trade union organisation at European level.
/ They are part of the participants to this meeting since the set up of the IPP Regular Meeting
ERRT
X / The ERRT is a network of business leaders established to express the views of large retailers on a range of issues of common interest.Their businesses operate worldwide and represent a cross-section of the retail sector. The combined turnover of the ERRT members is over €400 billion.The retail sector in the European Union is vibrant and successful. It makes a vital contribution to the economic and social well being of the EU.
Activities:
- Providing a retail CEO network of unparalleled significance in the EU
- Maintaining regular contact with members and officials of the European institutions to foster a better understanding between the retail sector and policy makers
- Research and preparation of briefings on specific emerging regulatory issues impacting the sector
Mission:
- To ensure that European institutions understand, and take into account, the competitive challenges affecting the sector
- To promote active retail engagement in a range of important EU issues, such as energy efficiency; sustainable consumption; healthy diets; effective consumer information; recycling and waste management.
- To provide a bridge of communication between leading retailers and top European policy makers
/ Co-founder and key partner in the Retail Forum
EUROCHAMBERS
X / EUROCHAMBERS' is to represent, serve and promote European Chambers of Commerce and Industry through
- strengthening the voice and position of European Chambers as significant, respected, valued influencers of EU affairs on all major economic issues,
- developing the participation of European Chambers in projects of value to business,
- delivering services to our members, and developing a European network of services for enterprises
- entrepreneurial behaviour is promoted and rewarded,
- the legislative and physical environment for profitable business is the best in the world,
- SMEs are encouraged and supported,
- competition is free but fair and which is open to free and fair trade with the rest of the world.
EuroCommerce
24/02/2004 / Established in 1993, EuroCommerce represents the retail, wholesale and international trade sectors in Europe. Its membership includes commerce federations in 31 countries, Europeanand national associations representing specific commerce sectors and individual companies.
Its mission is to:
- promote the visibility and defend the interests of commerce in the European Institutions, ensuring that they understand and take into account the concerns and realities of the sector throughout the decision-makingprocess;
- raise awareness among EU decision makers of the importance of commerce in the European economy;
- improve the quality of legislation so as to reduce costs and uncertainties for businesses;
- keep its members informed of EU developments impacting on their daily activities.
/ They are part of the participants to this meeting since the set up of the IPP Regular Meeting
EEB
24/02/2004 / The EEB is the environmental voice of its members and European citizens. It focuses on influencing EU policymaking and implementation and assessment of its agreed policies. It aims to be effective by combining knowledge with representativeness, active involvement of its members and coalition building.
The EEB stands for sustainable development, environmental justice, global equity, transparency, participatory democracy and shared but differentiated responsibilities. It promotes the principles of prevention, precaution and the polluter pays.
The EEB, set up in 1974, is Europe's largest coalition of grassroots environmental organisations. What makes us stand out is our expert insight on a vast amount of environmental issues; ranging from biodiversity, to waste, nanotechnology, chemicals, ecolabel, and climate change and many others.
We meet our members regularly in working groups which focus on important environmental issues, and we then work to promote their demands at European level. Our policy officers are inalmost constantdialogue with the European institutions (Commission, Parliament and Council) and strive to improve or protect environment laws in Europe.
The EEBalso supplies quality information to the public, its members and the European institutions through articles, reports and papers. EEB offers expert comment, analysis and recommendations on most of the latest environmental issues.
What is also unique about us is our cross-sectoral approach to tackling issues. For instance, as a lead member of the Spring Alliancewe work alongside trade unions and social organisations to promote sustainability. On a more ad-hoc basis we also work with companies and sectoral organisations, particularly in areas of waste and product policy.
/ They are part of the participants to this meeting since the set up of the IPP Regular Meeting
IEEP
10/03/2011 / The Institute for European Environmental Policy (IEEP) is an independent research organisation concerned with policies affecting the environment in Europe and beyond.
IEEP's aim is to disseminate knowledge about Europe and the environment and to analyse and present policy options.Our focus on European policy making is shared by few and we have a reputation based on being first in the field and possessing a history of knowledge and involvement acquired over thirty years. We undertake research and consultancy on the development, implementation and evaluation of environmental and environment-related policies in Europe.
IEEP's research work involves both pressing short-term policy issues and long-term strategic studies. Our project portfolio varies from year to year but we are committed to being at the forefront of thinking about the environmental aspects of EU policies and keeping an open dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders. We work closely with the full range of policy actors from international agencies and the EU institutions to national government departments, NGOs and academics.
IEEP has an interdisciplinary staff including lawyers and natural and social scientists with experience in several European countries. We are a charity with offices in London and Brussels and a network of partners in other European countries. The London office of IEEP was founded in 1980, the Brussels office in 2001. A presence was established in Finland in 2008.
The Institute has eight research areas spanning the key European and related national policy agendas:
- Agriculture & Land Management
- Biodiversity
- Climate Change & Energy
- Environmental Economics
- Governance
- Industrial Pollution
- Resource Use, Waste, Chemicals
- Water, Marine & Fisheries
UEAMPE
24/02/2004 / UEAPME is the employer’s organisation representing the interests of European crafts, trades and SMEs at EU level. UEAPME is a recognised European Social Partner and acts on behalf of crafts and SMEs in the European Social Dialogue and in discussions with the EU institutions. It is a non-profit seeking and non-partisan organisation.
As the European SME umbrella organisation, UEAPME incorporates 80 member organisations consisting of national cross-sectorial SME federations, European branch federations and other associate members, which support the SME family.
Across the whole of Europe, UEAPME represents over 12 million enterprises with nearly 55 million employees.
The main objectives of UEAPME, as the voice of of crafts, trades and SMEs in Europe include:
-Monitoring the EU policy and legislative process and keeping its members informed on all matters of European Union policy of relevance to crafts, trades and SMEs
-Representing and promoting the interests, needs and opinions of its member organisations to the EU institutions and other international organisations
-Supporting its members academically, technically and legally on all areas of EU policy
-Supporting the idea of European integration and contributing to European co-operation.
As the recognised voice for the interests of crafts, trades and SMEs in Europe, UEAPME acts as an ’agenda setter’ in the area of European SME policy. It has direct role in all EU policy that has an affect on SMEs. This is made possible through the maintenance of direct links and contact with the EU administration and strengthened by its status as a Social Partner.
UEAPME endeavours to ensure that the interests of crafts and SMEs are taken into account in all legislation that has an impact on them. Some of the key legislative areas in which UEAPME is active include: economic and fiscal policy, employment and social policy, environmental policy, enterprise policy, internal market, legal affairs, and R&D.
UEAPME analyses the role of SMEs in European economies and the challenges they face. On the basis of this analysis, UEAPME, with its members, identifies the ways in which SMEs can adapt to the challenges of the open and competitive EU economy.
UEAPME subscribed to the European Commission’s Register of Interest representatives and to the related code of conduct as requested by the European Transparency Initiative. The organisation’s profile can be consulted here. For the financial year 2008, the costs to the organisation directly or indirectly related to representing interests to EU institutions amounted to 1,561,000 EUR.
/ They are part of the participants to this meeting since the set up of the IPP Regular Meeting
UEAPME can give input from the SMEs’ point of view (which is very relevant since they represent 99.9% of all companies in the EU and can be found in all sectors) on the implementation of the different bits and pieces of the SCP as well as on its revision. They can also highlight problems/challenges and contributions at national level, where there are lots of activities going on in this field.
UNEP
06/06/2006 / UNEP, established in 1972, is the voice for the environment within the United Nations system. UNEP acts as a catalyst, advocate, educator and facilitator to promote the wise use and sustainable development of the global environment. To accomplish this, UNEP works with a wide range of partners, including United Nations entities, international organizations, national governments, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and civil society.
UNEP work encompasses:
-Assessing global, regional and national environmental conditions and trends
- Developing international and national environmental instruments
- Strengthening institutions for the wise management of the environment
-Facilitating the transfer of knowledge and technology for sustainable development
- Encouraging new partnerships and mind-sets within civil society and the private sector.
UNEP's global and cross-sectoral outlook is reflected in its organizational structure, its activities and is personnel. Being based in Africa gives UNEP a clear advantage in understanding the environmental issues facing the world's developing countries.
To ensure its global effectiveness UNEP supports six regional offices, plus a growing network of centres of excellence such as the Global Resource Information Database (GRID) centres and the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC). UNEP also has major offices in Geneva and Paris, where its Division of Technology, Industry and Economics is situated.
UNEP also hosts several environmental convention secretariats including the Ozone Secretariat and the Montreal Protocol's Multilateral Fund, CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on Migratory Species, and a growing family of chemicals-related agreements, including the Basel Convention on the Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and the recently negotiated Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
/ "It was agreed by the meeting participants to welcome UNEP to participate in the IPP Regular Meeting as observers from now on. The rules of procedures of the IPP Regular Meeting will be modified accordingly. UNEP have expressed an interest to follow the IPP Regular Meeting."
Minutes of the 5th IPP Regular Meeting, 06/06/2006
____ = In the initial Internal Rules of Procedure