A Front-Runner Approach for EU product policy

This paper presents an initial outline of a policy approach called “EU front-runner approach”. It aims at installing a regulatory framework which enables a semi-automated, progressive adaptation of ecodesign minimum requirements for products. It builds on performance levels of the best products available on the market by aggregating information in a database. The application of the “EU front-runner approach” to EU Product Policy is being illustrated for energy-efficiency requirements. In this way it serves as a starting point to introduce our initial thoughts and ideas to the EU policy arena and to kick-start the discussion and joint efforts.