Representatives from ten countries - including Austria, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Sweden, Finland, Germany and Switzerland - took part in the meeting. The meeting was hosted by the German Surface Technology Association (ZVO), which aims to further promote the networking and professionalization of European cooperation. The broad participation illustrates the need to coordinate the political and technical representation of interests more closely at European level. The difficulties that some associations have in dealing with all the important issues at the same time were emphasized several times during the meeting. This structural problem affects almost all CETS member associations.
Professionalization planned through external support
In order to make the work of CETS more efficient in future, the proposal to appoint an external consultant therefore met with broad approval. This person would bundle the political and technical work of the association, intensify communication with European institutions and ensure a continuous presence in Brussels.
New consulting and financing model planned
A new contribution and financing model is to be developed by January 2026, which will form the basis for this organizational development. At the same time, it will be examined whether and how a permanent organizational solution can emerge from this in order to make the work of the CETS more professional in the long term and to ensure that electroplating and surface technology in Europe is continuously heard.