TheSpanish Association for Standardization and ASTM International held a bilateral meeting last Thursday, November 20, at UNE headquarters, with the purpose of strengthening the role of standardisation as a strategic pillar within the recent trade agreement between the European Union and the United States.
Julián Conthe Yoldi, Director General of Trade Policy and Economic Security, highlighted that this agreement promotes the reduction of technical barriers to trade, facilitates the recognition of strategic products and contributes to a more stable framework for mutual investment. As stated in the Joint Statement on a United States–European Union framework on an agreement on reciprocal, fair and balanced trade, he emphasised that technical standards are becoming an essential tool for harmonising markets, facilitating trade and removing non-tariff barriers for the benefit of businesses.
In this context, the collaboration between UNE and ASTM International is a clear example of transatlantic cooperation. Both organisations promote initiatives aimed at optimising business processes, promoting interoperability and strengthening product safety, an aspect that is particularly relevant given the increase in international trade in unsafe goods from third countries.
Andy Kireta, President of ASTM International, emphasised the strength of a relationship built on mutual trust, highlighting the shared approach to standardising from the early stages of innovation. This vision is fully aligned with the strategy of UNE, which chairs the CEN and CENELEC R&D&I Advisory Committee and works to integrate standardisation into the entire innovation cycle.
On behalf of UNE, Director General Javier García highlighted the importance of continuing to consolidate this cooperation at a time when standardisation has become a strategic tool for supporting the competitiveness of companies and strengthening the security of the European market. He also highlighted the role of the Spanish private sector in market surveillance, which is key to a safe and reliable commercial environment.
The meeting had broad institutional representation. ASTM International was represented by its President, Andy Kireta, and its Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Stuart Radcliffe. The UNE management team consisted of Javier García, Paloma García, Mónica Sanzo, Pablo Corróns and Fernando Utrilla. The Secretary of State for Trade was represented by Julián Conthe and Marta Alzás, reinforcing the institutional dimension of the meeting. Rafael García Meiro and Susana Lozano from AENOR Conocimiento also participated, enriching the exchange with perspectives from different areas of the Spanish ecosystem.
With this meeting, UNE reaffirms its commitment to strengthening EU-US cooperation on standardisation and promoting projects that translate trade agreements into real benefits for industry, the economy and society.
