BRUSSELS, (Reuters) – The European Commission suggested Wednesday revisions to their system of standards to include digital and green products. This will ensure that it sets global standards and not copies them from countries like China.

European Union has established standards for household products, from toys to appliances. But now it wants to create a digital system that will allow for a greener and more democratic transition.

Technology standards are strategic. “Europe’s technological sovereignty and ability to decrease dependencies, as well as the protection of EU values, will all be dependent on our ability in being a global standard-setter,” Thierry Breton (Internal Markets Commissioner) stated in a statement.

Hydrogen’s increased use of hydrogen as a cleaner fuel, increased battery production, connected devices, artificial intelligence, and other uses raise concerns about the environment, labor standards, cybersecurity, and data protection.

EU officials mention China’s latest strategy in standardisation that was introduced last year. This highlights the necessity for the bloc of acting faster and joining forces with like-minded countries.

In Africa, the EU executive will fund standardization projects.

Proposals by the Commission call for more rapid standards to be set in COVID-19 vaccinations and medicine, and recycling of crucial raw materials.

Officials from the EU say it can take up to six years for standards to be developed.

Proposals by the Commission aim to bring together Horizon Europe’s research and innovation programmes with their standardisation goals. They also promote it as an opportunity for young professionals, since many of these experts are near retirement.

This proposal will give greater voice to the 27 EU member countries’ national authorities on standard-setting to reduce the impact of non-EU bodies or companies in fields such as cybersecurity, hydrogen and other.