PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show the differences between European Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS) standards in Europe with special focus on MoReq2 and TNA 2002 and to explore the benefits and problems of superseding national standards by a European model.Design/methodology/approachInterviews were conducted with 18 key stakeholders from across Europe. The qualitative method was chosen for the open‐ended interviews.FindingsThere is a wide range of opinions on national and European standards. MoReq2 is widely valued as a comprehensive and modern standard. Some interviewees indicated that the standard did create a culture of overregulation and was too detailed. Market impact depends on the compliance testing regime and legislation.Originality/valueWithin the field of EDRMS standards there has been limited research. This paper presents the first comparison of TNA 2002 and MoReq2. In addition it evaluates the economic impact EDRMS standards can have on vendors and users of these systems.

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