We are in a changing economy in a global environment, with a growing need for accreditation. In 2017, the European co-operation for Accreditation agreed on “EA Strategy 2025: from Good to Great”. The objective was to strengthen all interested parties’ confidence in accreditation and develop EA into a professional, efficient service provider serving the EA Members and stakeholders.
The strategy defines 3 roles for EA:
Develop accreditation and improve the offer of conformity assessment services in close cooperation with European regulators and interested parties.
Be the main forum for all parties for exchanging and sharing expertise so as to position EA as the technical reference to develop schemes underpinned by accreditation and meeting market needs.
Make the necessary organization available, serving the Members in their daily accreditation business and development.
Our Mission and Vision
EA’s mission is to build trust in accredited conformity assessment across Europe through a harmonised and transparent system that supports the Single Market and public interest.
We envision a unified accreditation network that enables free movement, protects consumers, and fosters confidence in quality and innovation.
Our work is guided by shared values:
- We act harmoniously, with coordination and openness;
- We are responsible, upholding integrity and public service;
- We inspire confidence, through impartial and consistent results;
- And we remain competent, leading with professionalism and a commitment to continuous improvement.
Together, these principles define EA — and ensure we speak with one voice across Europe.
EA’s Mission
EA Members commit to ensuring confidence in accredited conformity assessment results through the harmonized operation of accreditation activities in support of European and global economies.
It means that EA needs to:
- Define and build consistency in accreditation in Europe with the common interpretation and application of the standards used by its Members;
- Ensure transparency in the operations and results provided by its Members;
- Maintain a multilateral agreement on mutual recognition between accreditation activities and reciprocal acceptance of accredited conformity assessment services;
- Manage a peer-evaluation system consistent with international practices;
- Act as a technical resource on matters related to implementation;
- Cooperate with the European Commission and other European and international stakeholders;
- Develop accreditation criteria and guidelines supporting harmonization.
EA core values
EA Members commit to share the EA core values to support implementation of EA Strategy and enable EA as a membership organization to speak with “one voice” and reach the strategic objectives by 2025.
- Transparent in our rules and
actions - Coordinated in word and deed
- Accessible both internally and externally
- Having and promoting a common understanding of National Accreditation Bodies (NAB) promise to the market and society
- We are responsible
- Involving and listening to regulators, industry and other stakeholders
- Loyal and dedicated and work for the public interest
- Proactive
- Maintaining our integrity
confidence
- Establishing consistent deliverables
- Open, impartial and independant
- Non-discriminating
- Praticting what we preach
- Democratic
- Efficient and professional
- Using our resources
- Exercising leadership
- Supporting development and innovation
- Continuously improving
Looking ahead:
From Strategy 2025 to Strategy 2030
Looking forward, EA is now shaping its Strategy 2030, which will:
- Address the challenges of digitalisation and sustainability;
- Enhance stakeholder engagement;
- Promote agility and innovation in accreditation services;
- Further align with EU policy objectives and global developments;
- Make available the right level of resources to develop regulations.