Brussels, 28 October 2021 – During its annual General Assembly yesterday, European Aluminium chair Ingrid Jörg called for a stronger EU industrial policy, citing unfair trade practices and a lack of access to affordable green energy as key challenges. Jörg also welcomed six new members at this year’s Autumn Meetings. The industry association, which celebrates its 40^th anniversary this year, now counts over 95 members, representing more than 600 plants across 30 European countries.

During this year’s General Assembly, European Aluminum – the voice of the aluminium value chain in Europe – celebrated 40 years of industry collaboration. A key event for the European aluminium industry, executives and experts reflected on the development of the aluminium industry in Europe and the key challenges it faces as the base metal for Europe’s green transition.

“European producers demonstrate their commitment to producing sustainable aluminium solutions every day, but our competitiveness is harmed by China’s unfair trade practices and a lack of access to affordable, green energy. To tackle important systemic challenges effectively, we need a bold and future-proof EU industrial strategy. Mainstreaming industrial competitiveness across all policy areas should become the norm,” said Ingrid Jörg in her address during the General Assembly.

European Aluminium’s membership has been steadily expanding over the past few years, allowing it to strengthen the industry’s position in critical policy areas. In 2021 alone, six new member companies joined European Aluminium. With the additions of Aluminium Bozen, Aluminij Industries, Arconic Corporation, Corialis, Speira and Yeşilova Holding, the association now counts more than 95 member companies from across the continent and value chain, representing around 85% of the total European aluminium production.

“Forty years after its birth, European Aluminium has never been stronger and more representative of the entire European aluminium value chain. In light of today’s challenging business environment, companies clearly see the value in being a member of our association and driving a common industry agenda with a single voice in policy areas such as energy and climate, trade, circular economy and innovation,” commented Gerd Götz, Director General at European Aluminium.

About European Aluminium:

European Aluminium, founded in 1981 and based in Brussels, is the voice of the aluminium industry in Europe. We actively engage with decision makers and the wider stakeholder community to promote the outstanding properties of aluminium, secure growth and optimise the contribution our metal can make to meeting Europe’s sustainability challenges. Through environmental and technical expertise, economic and statistical analysis, scientific research, education and sharing of best practices, public affairs and communication activities, European Aluminium promotes the use of aluminium as a material with permanent properties that is part of the solution to achieving sustainable goals, while maintaining and improving the image of the industry, of the material and of its applications among their stakeholders. Our 95+ members include primary aluminium producers; downstream manufacturers of extruded, rolled and cast aluminium; producers of recycled aluminium and national aluminium associations are representing more than 600 plants in 30 European countries. Aluminium products are used in a wide range of markets, including automotive, transport, high-tech engineering, building, construction and packaging.