Hot massive stars are ideal indicators for present-day cosmic abundances. We review results from a non-LTE study of a larger sample of early B-type stars in the solar neighbourhood by Nieva & Przybilla (2012) and extend the analysis. Using comprehensive models with improved microphysics, novel analysis methodologies and high-quality spectra it is shown that the present-day chemical composition in massive stars out to several hundred parsec distance from the Sun is highly homogeneous. Abundances for about a dozen astrophysically important chemical elements are presented, including new preliminary data on aluminium, sulphur and argon. This establishes a cosmic abundance standard, which serves as a reference facilitating chemical peculiarities in other stars to be identified. Similarities and differences to the solar standard, and implications are discussed.