On 18 September, Glass for Europe held a high-level meeting with European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen. The delegation was led by Chairman Davide Cappellino (AGC Glass Europe) and included Board Directors Selma Öner, Ph.D. (Şişecam), Jean Ries (Guardian Glass Europe), and Secretary General Bertrand Cazes. The discussion focused on the vital role of flat glass in decarbonising Europe’s building stock and supporting energy-efficient construction.
Mr. Cappellino highlighted the paradox facing the industry: while glass is crucial for reducing CO₂ emissions from heating and cooling, the sector struggles with high energy costs and strict regulatory pressures. He emphasized that, given current technological limits, flat glass production will continue to depend on natural gas in the short to medium term.
Mr. Ries raised concerns about competitiveness, pointing out that European flat glass producers have already shut down 25% of production capacity in the last five years, facing international competition and rising carbon costs. Ms. Öner stressed the urgent need for energy infrastructure to deploy biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen, which remain limited and expensive.
Glass for Europe reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affordable construction, energy-efficient renovation, and better living conditions, while advocating for a sustainable and competitive future for the European flat glass industry. 
Source: Glass for Europe with additional information added by Glass Balkan
