Today, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) and the European General Galvanizers Association (EGGA-Galvanizing Europe) signed a partnership agreement that will foster collaboration and align the interests of the galvanizing industry in Europe with the standardization ecosystem. 

The agreement, through which EGGA access to the status of CEN Partner, marks a significant milestone in a longstanding relationship. The two organizations aim to leverage their respective expertise and resources to address key challenges and opportunities regarding standardization for the galvanizing industry, including sustainability, innovation, and regulatory compliance. 

European standards play an important role in strengthening the Single Market, fostering competitiveness, and supporting a sustainable and smart use of resources. In this context, this agreement will help ensure the harmonization of standards across Europe, which facilitate market access, and enhance the competitiveness of the galvanizing industry. Through their collaboration, EGGA will provide CEN with technical and strategic expertise in the field of Europe's general galvanizing sector and bring a welcome industrial perspective to the work of standardization. 

Furthermore, the exchanges between the two organizations underscore their mutual commitment to promoting excellence, innovation, and sustainability. Through collaboration and cooperation, CEN and EGGA aim to champion standards to support the principles of a circular economy, optimizing product durability, reducing waste, promoting recycling, and ensuring the responsible use of resources, while positioning the galvanizing industry as a vital contributor to Europe's economic prosperity and sustainability.

Attending the signing ceremony for EGGA-Galvanizing Europe were: Norbert Beljaars (Benelux), EGGA President; Mark Huckshold (Germany), Chair of the EGGA Technical & Research Committee; Carola Hermoso Arnao (Spain), Chair of the EGGA Environmental & Safety Committee; Murray Cook, Executive Director; and Vasile Rus, Manager-Technical and Standardization. CEN was represented by: Elena Santiago Cid, CEN and CENELEC Director General; Andreea Gulacsi, Director Policy & External Affairs; Alessia Gaetani, Project Manager Manufacturing; and Raíssa Soares, Project Manager Stakeholders Engagement.
 

Speaking on the signing ceremony in Brussels on 26 March, Mr Norbert Beljaars, President of EGGA, said: “EGGA-Galvanizing Europe places standardization at the heart of its activities – with the aim to ensure optimal durability of steel products across a wide range of applications – from renewable energy to construction. Standardization is vital to the implementation of circularity and to deliver enhanced product sustainability, in particular within the EU Construction Products Regulation. We are delighted to raise our collaboration with CEN to a new level.”

Mrs Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC, added: “We eagerly welcome the strengthening of our collaboration with EGGA. Together, we are committed to advancing the principles of a circular economy, minimizing waste, advocating for recycling, and fostering responsible resource utilization. This agreement serves as a cornerstone for Europe's economic well-being and sustainability. Our joint efforts resonate with CEN's mission to foster cooperation with all stakeholders in crafting standards that foster trust and enhance the Single Market, benefiting both European businesses and citizens.”