On 5 December 2024, EUROMETAL, the European Federation of Steel, Metals, and Mining Trade Associations, held its General Assembly to elect the new Presidency Board for the 2025-2027 term. This significant event marks a new chapter for the organization, which plays a pivotal role in representing the interests of the European metals and steel trade industry. The newly elected president, Alexander Julius from Macrometal, will lead the board in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the sector.
Alexander Julius’ election as president is a key development for EUROMETAL, signaling a commitment to strong leadership and continued progress within the industry. Julius is a well-respected figure in the European metals trade, known for his expertise in the sector and his work with Macrometal, one of Europe’s leading steel distributors. His appointment brings fresh vision to the board, as EUROMETAL looks to address the evolving demands of the European market and ensure a unified voice for the steel and metals industry at both national and European levels.
The newly appointed Presidency Board includes several familiar names, reflecting the continuity of EUROMETAL’s leadership. Alongside Julius, Robert Kay from Ferona has been elected as 1st Vice President, while Roberto Gonzalez from UAHE, Thomas Niederhofer from Knauf Interfer, and Fernando Espada, the outgoing president, will serve as Vice Presidents. These individuals bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the European steel and metals markets, ensuring that EUROMETAL is well-positioned to navigate the challenges facing the industry in the coming years.
One of the most notable aspects of the new presidency board is the increased representation from national federations. For the first time, Italy's Assofermet and Poland's PUDS have secured places on the board, marking a significant step in promoting a more diverse and inclusive leadership within the organization. This move reflects the growing importance of these countries in Europe’s steel and metals industries, as well as the need for stronger cooperation between national associations to tackle common challenges.
The full EUROMETAL Board for the 2025-2027 term consists of both elected members and appointed representatives from key companies and industry bodies across Europe. The board includes high-profile figures such as Cédric Bouzar of Arcelormittal DS, Julian Verden of Stemcor, and Laurent Noirclerc of FFDM, alongside Lorenzo Biagi from Marcegaglia and Norbert Thumfart from ARGE. Paolo Sangoi and Tommaso Sandrini represent Assofermet, while Piotr Sikorski joins from PUDS. The inclusion of these influential individuals ensures a broad and inclusive approach to leadership, reflecting the diverse interests of EUROMETAL’s membership base.
This new leadership team is set to guide EUROMETAL through a period of significant change in the European metals sector. The industry faces a range of pressing issues, including the transition to green steel and sustainable manufacturing practices, the challenges posed by global overcapacity, trade imbalances, and geopolitical tensions. Under Julius’ leadership, the board will focus on addressing these issues by advocating for policy changes, strengthening trade defense mechanisms, and working closely with both the European Commission and national governments to ensure a favorable environment for the steel and metals industries in Europe.
The 2025-2027 term will also likely see continued discussions on the impact of carbon pricing, the implementation of the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), and other environmental regulations that affect the industry. EUROMETAL’s leadership will play a key role in shaping how the industry responds to these new regulations and transitions toward more sustainable and competitive practices.
In addition to policy advocacy, EUROMETAL is committed to fostering stronger collaboration between companies and national federations, ensuring that the industry remains resilient in the face of global challenges. By working together, the organization hopes to create a unified strategy that enhances the competitiveness of the European steel and metals sector and secures its position as a leader in the global market.
As EUROMETAL looks ahead to the 2025-2027 term, the election of Alexander Julius as president marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s history. With a strong, experienced leadership team in place, the organization is poised to continue its mission of supporting the European steel and metals industries, ensuring they thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape.
