Call for applications for membership of the Ecodesign and Energy Labelling Forum

2/1/2025

The European Commission has just published a rolling call for applications for members and observers of the Ecodesign Forum. This group of experts will play a key role in the implementation of ecodesign and energy labeling policies, contributing to the development of a regulatory framework in favor of product sustainability.

Composition of the Ecodesign forum  

In accordance with the provisions laid down by the Commission, the Forum will be able to welcome up to 250 members. Its composition will reflect the diversity of players involved in sustainability issues:  

  • individuals representing a common interest shared by several stakeholders;  
  • organizations from a variety of sectors, from industry to environmental associations;  
  • member state authorities and other public bodies.  

 

Nominated members will be appointed for a period of five years, automatically renewable unless the Commission decides otherwise. They will remain in office until they are replaced.  

In addition, registration on the Transparency Register is a mandatory requirement for organizations and individuals representing a common interest.

Terms of engagement and operation

Efficiency and transparency will be at the heart of the Forum's work. As far as possible, deliberations will aim to reach a consensus. However, in the event of a vote, a simple majority will decide the outcome of recommendations. Members who vote against or abstain will have the right to append their arguments to the final documents.  

In addition, the Forum may, at the discretion of its Chairman and by decision of the majority, make its debates public, thereby reinforcing the transparency of decision-making processes.

Application procedure

Applications must be submitted in one of the official languages of the European Union, although English is encouraged to facilitate evaluation. All applications must include supporting documents that have been carefully completed, signed and legibly presented.

The required documents are as follows:

  • A letter of motivation, setting out the applicant's interest in this call and specifying his/her potential contribution to the Forum.  
  • A classification form indicating the category of membership requested (available via the dedicated link).  
  • A selection criteria form documenting the applicant's compliance with the requirements detailed in the call.  
  • A curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than three pages, written in Europass format for individuals representing a common interest or representatives of organizations.  

 

The Commission reserves the right to request additional documents, such as publications attesting to candidates' expertise.  

The call is open on a continuous basis, allowing for a dynamic process of integrating members according to the Forum's specific needs. The first selection phase closed on December 5.

Evaluation criteria

To ensure a high level of excellence in the composition of the Forum, the Commission will examine each application according to a number of rigorous criteria:

  • Proven expertise in fields related to product sustainability, eco-design or energy labeling, particularly at European level.  
  • Proven ability to effectively represent positions shared by stakeholders, whether industrial organizations, consumer associations, trade unions or players in the circular economy.  
  • In-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of eco-design, digital product passports and sustainability.  
  • For organizations, the level of competence and hierarchical experience of the designated representatives.  
  • Sufficient command of English to enable active participation in discussions and the drafting of reports.

The selection procedure for Ecodesign Forum members is based on a thorough and transparent evaluation of applications. This approach is designed to ensure an expert and representative membership to meet the challenges of product sustainability and energy labeling at European level.  

 

The applications will be examined by the relevant Commission departments, who will evaluate the applicants on the basis of the selection criteria detailed above. Following this analysis, a list of the most qualified candidates will be drawn up, paving the way for the official appointment of group members and observers.

A balanced, evolving composition

When setting up the Forum, the Commission will endeavor to ensure, as far as possible, a balanced representation of skills, know-how and relevant areas of interest. This approach will take into account the specific nature of the tasks entrusted to the Forum, the need for expertise and the relevance of the applications received.  

 

With a view to gradual evolution, the Commission has decided to initially limit appointments to 60% of the group's total capacity, i.e. 150 members out of 250. The space left vacant will enable new members to be integrated if necessary in the future, particularly when the work program is updated.  

 

For experts appointed to represent a common interest, the Commission will take care to ensure geographical balance and gender parity. This particular attention will promote a more inclusive representation, commensurate with the sustainability issues that concern all Member States and sectors concerned.  

 

Lastly, applications that are not selected during this initial selection phase will not be eliminated. They may be re-evaluated at a later date, depending on the Forum's needs and the progress of the work to be carried out.  

Need support? Contact our regulatory experts!

The European Commission has just published a rolling call for applications for members and observers of the Ecodesign Forum. This group of experts will play a key role in the implementation of ecodesign and energy labeling policies, contributing to the development of a regulatory framework in favor of product sustainability.

Composition of the Ecodesign forum  

In accordance with the provisions laid down by the Commission, the Forum will be able to welcome up to 250 members. Its composition will reflect the diversity of players involved in sustainability issues:  

  • individuals representing a common interest shared by several stakeholders;  
  • organizations from a variety of sectors, from industry to environmental associations;  
  • member state authorities and other public bodies.  

 

Nominated members will be appointed for a period of five years, automatically renewable unless the Commission decides otherwise. They will remain in office until they are replaced.  

In addition, registration on the Transparency Register is a mandatory requirement for organizations and individuals representing a common interest.

Terms of engagement and operation

Efficiency and transparency will be at the heart of the Forum's work. As far as possible, deliberations will aim to reach a consensus. However, in the event of a vote, a simple majority will decide the outcome of recommendations. Members who vote against or abstain will have the right to append their arguments to the final documents.  

In addition, the Forum may, at the discretion of its Chairman and by decision of the majority, make its debates public, thereby reinforcing the transparency of decision-making processes.

Application procedure

Applications must be submitted in one of the official languages of the European Union, although English is encouraged to facilitate evaluation. All applications must include supporting documents that have been carefully completed, signed and legibly presented.

The required documents are as follows:

  • A letter of motivation, setting out the applicant's interest in this call and specifying his/her potential contribution to the Forum.  
  • A classification form indicating the category of membership requested (available via the dedicated link).  
  • A selection criteria form documenting the applicant's compliance with the requirements detailed in the call.  
  • A curriculum vitae (CV) of no more than three pages, written in Europass format for individuals representing a common interest or representatives of organizations.  

 

The Commission reserves the right to request additional documents, such as publications attesting to candidates' expertise.  

The call is open on a continuous basis, allowing for a dynamic process of integrating members according to the Forum's specific needs. The first selection phase closed on December 5.

Evaluation criteria

To ensure a high level of excellence in the composition of the Forum, the Commission will examine each application according to a number of rigorous criteria:

  • Proven expertise in fields related to product sustainability, eco-design or energy labeling, particularly at European level.  
  • Proven ability to effectively represent positions shared by stakeholders, whether industrial organizations, consumer associations, trade unions or players in the circular economy.  
  • In-depth knowledge of the technical aspects of eco-design, digital product passports and sustainability.  
  • For organizations, the level of competence and hierarchical experience of the designated representatives.  
  • Sufficient command of English to enable active participation in discussions and the drafting of reports.

The selection procedure for Ecodesign Forum members is based on a thorough and transparent evaluation of applications. This approach is designed to ensure an expert and representative membership to meet the challenges of product sustainability and energy labeling at European level.  

 

The applications will be examined by the relevant Commission departments, who will evaluate the applicants on the basis of the selection criteria detailed above. Following this analysis, a list of the most qualified candidates will be drawn up, paving the way for the official appointment of group members and observers.

A balanced, evolving composition

When setting up the Forum, the Commission will endeavor to ensure, as far as possible, a balanced representation of skills, know-how and relevant areas of interest. This approach will take into account the specific nature of the tasks entrusted to the Forum, the need for expertise and the relevance of the applications received.  

 

With a view to gradual evolution, the Commission has decided to initially limit appointments to 60% of the group's total capacity, i.e. 150 members out of 250. The space left vacant will enable new members to be integrated if necessary in the future, particularly when the work program is updated.  

 

For experts appointed to represent a common interest, the Commission will take care to ensure geographical balance and gender parity. This particular attention will promote a more inclusive representation, commensurate with the sustainability issues that concern all Member States and sectors concerned.  

 

Lastly, applications that are not selected during this initial selection phase will not be eliminated. They may be re-evaluated at a later date, depending on the Forum's needs and the progress of the work to be carried out.  

Need support? Contact our regulatory experts!