Mutual recognition

Instead of making standards within the EU consistent (harmonisation) by imposing a common, cross-EU law, the EU often uses the method of “mutual recognition” of standards. Mutual recognition means that a national standard in one country – for example regarding product specifications - is valid in all. Thus, because the lowest Member State standard is valid everywhere, higher standards in other countries are undermined. This may then force everyone to agree to a compromise on cross-EU standards that they would have otherwise not accepted.

Notes

This method can also be seen as an efficient and rapid way to form a single market without waiting for long negotiations between states over the harmonisation of national laws.

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