The European Commission (EC) signed on 24 June 2014 a Framework Partnership Agreement with European co-operation for Accreditation (EA) for a new four-year period from 2014 to 2017. An operating grant for 2014 has been subsequently agreed between the EC and EA according to Article 35 (2) in Regulation (EC) 765/2008 based on the EA Plan 2014 – 2017.

“The continuing support from the EC and its cooperation with EA further strengthen the system of accreditation in Europe”, said Thomas Facklam, the EA Chairman.

The Framework Partnership Agreement (FPA) is concluded as part of a long-term cooperation
between the EC and EA with the aim to contribute to the objectives of the European Union’s policy in
the field of accreditation.

This new Agreement follows the FPA which had been signed in 2010 by the EC for the period 2010-2013.
An operating grant had also been agreed for 2014 to co-finance the activities assigned to EA.
During 2013, the FPA had to be re-negotiated with the EC for another four year period. The EA Plan
2014 – 2017 builds upon the experience gained by EA under the first FPA and takes account of the
conclusions and statements in the EC’s report on implementation of Regulation (EC) 765/2008. The
EA Plan has been developed to indicate the key objectives EA will focus on during the next four-year
period.

The FPA renewal in June 2014 is undoubtedly a clear sign of confidence from the EC, all the more
since the tasks assigned to EA and hence the annual operating grants have been considerably
increased. The budget in the 2014 Operating Grant is 600.000 € covering 52 % of the eligible
expenditures for EA in 2014.

On signing the agreement, Thomas Facklam stated: “This is an important milestone for EA to sign the
new FPA with the Commission and I would like to thank the Commission for their confidence in EA.
The cooperation with the Commission has been developing well over the last four years and we are
very pleased with the increase in the Operating Grant to 600.000 €, which will allow EA to increase our
activities in fields of strategic importance for accreditation at the European level. Further the recognition
and support from the European Commission provides a solid ground for the existence of the EA, and
its place in the global framework. It is also very important for all the National Accreditation Bodies
which are involved in the daily work to accredit businesses and organizations in all European
countries”.

“High priority areas” in the EA Plan 2014 – 2017

Here are the six “high priority areas” in the EA Plan 2014 – 2017 to be considered by EA for a successful development of accreditation in the coming four-year period:
– Consolidate the function of EA as the European Accreditation Infrastructure;
– Strengthen and improve the peer evaluation process and activities;
– Further harmonisation of the criteria Notified Bodies shall comply with, including the assessment of Notified Bodies;
– Enhance cooperation with the Commission as a technical resource in development, maintenance and implementation of accreditation and conformity assessment in the Community;
– Give support to the private sector with respect to accreditation and conformity assessment schemes;
– Consolidate the status of EA on the international level and strive for to implement the European policy and principles for accreditation as the last level of control internationally.

EA Work Programme for 2014

The EA Work Programme for 2014, on which the operating grant agreed for 2014 is based, closely relates to the six areas highlighted in the FPA 2014 – 2017.

The EA 2014 Work Programme is being revised by the EA Executive Committee in order to implement new activities, as well as to speed up some cooperation projects with the EC, such as a priority EC-supported project dedicated to an “accreditation for notification package”.

Further information on new activities and projects will be given separately in due time.