186 delegates gathered for the EGGA Assembly 2023 in Salzburg. The event was held in collaboration with the Austrian Association of Metal Technology Industries who opened the conference programme with a keynote speech from their Managing Director - Sabine Hesse - who gave an insight to the Austrian industry. Georg Matzner (Österreichischer Stahlbauverband) and Martin Kopf (EGGA Vice-President) then set the scene for a detailed review of ‘net zero’ plans for the industry, including perspectives from Germany, the Benelux and Spain. The conference programme of 15 excellent presentations covered decarbonisation, energy efficiency, environmental communication and innovative technical solutions in processing. A special session highlighted the importance of the correct specification of metallic coatings for steel to ensure that batch galvanized coatings are not confused with lower-performance solutions.
The event was originally planned for summer 2020 and was our first EGGA Assembly since COVID restrictions were lifted. The refreshed enthusiasm shown by the companies that engage in the network of national associations within the European General Galvanizers Association for collaboration and exchange of ideas was very much in evidence in Salzburg. Displays by suppliers to the industry kept participants informed of new developments in process technology and the Gala Dinner at the beautiful Salzburg Residenz provided a more relaxed opportunity for discussion. There were also visits to galvanizing plants operated by Zinkpower, OTN and Collini.
During Assembly 2023, EGGA recognised the extensive contribution, over five decades, of Mr Jeremy Woolridge to the industry - with the award of the prestigious Bablik Medal.
Thanks to Martin Kopf (EGGA Vice-President & representative for Austria), all our Austrian hosts, the delegates and our sponsors for making this one of our most special events.
Construction 2050 Alliance
EGGA is a member of the Construction 2050 Alliance - the recently established business network of more than 40 European organisations in the construction sector with the aim to cooperate on needs and priorities of common interest and bring them on a EU level. The Alliance has a common position on the role of the construction industry within the European Recovery Plans and the Renovation Wave.
Construction 2050 Alliance has organised a webinar to emphasise the importance of construction and infrastructure in the national COVID-19 Recovery Plans.
Construction 2050 Alliance has been established on the principle that a sustainable Europe cannot be achieved without the involvement of all actors of the construction process. In order to bring the EU construction industry’s needs and priorities at the EU level, the Construction 2050 Alliance aims at coordinating common political messages of the construction value chain and raise the political importance of the sector at the European level.
Construction 2050 Alliance is confident that enhancing the way construction operates will lead to an improvement in the lives of European citizens, higher value with fewer natural resources, and higher quality assets for owners and users. It is on the basis of these considerations that the Construction 2050 Alliance’s framework follows these principles:
A specific targeted approach to construction because the sector is at the crossroads of different value chains and its unique nature requires a unique approach
An adaptable policy framework to address the evolving construction ecosystem and the transformation of the industry
A holistic approach towards policy making in order to implement coherent and balanced policies and legislation.
A strong partnership between the European institutions, the Member States and construction social partners and stakeholders to steer the transformation of the sector with the most adequate policies and tools