In June 2016, EA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).

ETSI produces globally-applicable standards for information and communications technologies (ICT), including fixed, mobile, radio, converge, broadcast and Internet technologies. ETSI is an industry-led standards development organisation with a membership of 800 manufacturers, network operators, service providers, research bodies, regulatory bodies and academia from over 64 countries. ETSI is the recognized European Standardization Organisation for Telecommunications.

ETSI and EA have the common objective to perform and promote, directly or indirectly, regional and international standardisation with the aim of contributing to the establishment of a global information infrastructure and strengthening the European accreditation structure.

Having a reciprocal interest in avoiding duplication of technical work, ETSI and EA would both benefit from adopting a complementary approach to the standardisation process in the domains of mutual interest. A Mapping of Areas of Mutual Interest between ETSI and EA, annexed to the MoU, identifies the work areas agreed by both organisations. ETSI and EA have both noted the need for structuring and strengthening their relationship by fostering a closer cooperation in developing standards for Trust Service Providers and other areas of conformity assessment and benefiting from EA’s requirements from auditors and national accreditation bodies.

The EA-ETSI MoU, which shall last 3 years before being renewed by mutual consent, was signed by Luis Jorge Romero, the ETSI Director-General, and Thomas Facklam, the EA Chair.