European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC)

The European Committee for Standardization (CEN) was founded in 1961 with the aim of developing uniform European standards (EN) for the member states of the European Union and EFTA. CEN is based in Brussels.

The European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization (CENELEC) was established in 1973 and is responsible for European standardization in the field of electrotechnology. It is also based in Brussels and works in close cooperation with the IEC.

The task of CEN and CENELEC is to develop harmonized standards that support the functioning of the European single market, in particular to facilitate the implementation of EU legislation, such as New Approach directives and regulations. Once European standards (EN) have been adopted, Member States are required to implement them as national standards and withdraw any conflicting national standards.

The technical work is carried out by technical committees and working groups, to which the national standards bodies of the member countries delegate experts. The standardization process is also based on consensus, taking into account the interests of industry, authorities, consumers, and other stakeholders.

In Hungary, the national standardization organization is responsible for the national coordination of European standardization activities.

The CEN-CENELEC JTC 22 WG 4 working group focuses on the standardization of European quantum communication and quantum cryptography technologies, with particular emphasis on interoperability, security, and market applicability. The participation of NMHH experts in this working group ensures that domestic regulatory and technical considerations are reflected in the European standardization process.