Summary report of the EUROMETREC General Assembly which took place on March 10th, 2010 at the Warwick Champs Elysées Hotel, Paris

EUROMETREC President Robert Voss was pleased to welcome such a large attendance including guests from Greece, Estonia and Slovakia whom he warmly thanked for their interest and possible adherence to the organisation. During his activity report, he stated that “Involvement from new accession countries is important for a stronger European organisation”.

Poland’s Economic Chamber of NF Metals and Recycling, represented by Mr. Kazimierz Poznanski has recently joined EUROMETREC and Francis Veys explained that the Nordic Recycling Federation (NRF) would soon be replaced by their own distinctive National Federations. Sweden and Norway have already joined.

The delegates then each gave a brief overview of their regional market situation which could be summarized as being unstable with a weak demand for scrap arising in the EU. Gaining sufficient credit insurance was also a cause for concern around the table.

The EoW criteria for Copper scrap was discussed in preparation of the JRC/IPTS workshop in Seville later in March. It was agreed that a “writeboard” be posted on the internet allowing all interested parties to share their views and opinions. “Unacceptable” was the word used by the President after learning that EUROMETREC was not invited to the PEG – Partner Expert Group – organized by ECHA to discuss the provisions of Article 2(7) (d) and how they will apply to our sector.

Before closing the meeting, Robert Voss wanted to mention the growing number of articles and official initiatives which point towards the EU metal industry’s protectionist behaviour. This reminded him all too well of the protectionist measures that were in place until well in the 80’s, when EU export quotas were imposed upon N.F. scrap.

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