The European glass industry plays a vital role in achieving the EU’s ambitious sustainability goals.
Recently, the annual meeting of Glass for Europe’s national partners highlighted the critical need for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions to promote circular economy principles within the sector.
The second annual meeting of Glass for Europe’s national partners group, held in Brussels, focused on the implementation of key EU legislations, particularly the recast Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), published in the EU Official Journal in April 2024. Glass for Europe’s secretariat presented the secondary legislation currently being drafted by the European Commission, emphasizing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), zero-emission building standards, and Renovation Passport schemes. Discussions also covered the digital and sustainable aspects of the new Construction Products Regulation, with a particular emphasis on assessment and verification systems.
The meeting also underscored the challenges in implementing the EPBD at the national level. Many Member States face obstacles such as political instability and competing legislative priorities, alongside the broader economic challenges impacting renovation rates across the EU.
The importance of recycling was a central theme, with a presentation by the Association of Glass Nordic (AGN) highlighting the need for improved tools and a shift in attitudes towards closed-loop recycling systems.
The event proved highly productive, strengthening cooperation between Glass for Europe and its national partners and facilitating the exchange of information for future projects. The meeting provided valuable insights into the ongoing challenges and opportunities within the glass and glazing industry, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to achieving a truly circular economy for the European glass sector.
Untapped Potential in Balkan Region
The Balkan region is rapidly emerging as a significant player in the global hospitality sector, presenting lucrative opportunities for investors and businesses alike. Recent investments exceeding €25 billion in the region’s hospitality infrastructure underscore this burgeoning market. This substantial financial commitment is transforming the landscape, particularly in countries like Greece and Albania, which are experiencing unprecedented growth.
Albania, in particular, stands out as a prime example of this expansion. The country is poised for a dramatic increase in its hotel capacity, with projections exceeding 1000 new World Hotel brands and the construction of over 100 high-rise towers ranging from 30 to 100 floors. This ambitious development indicates a strong belief in the region’s potential to attract a significant influx of tourists and business travelers.
Source:Glass for Europe with additional information added by GlassBalkan
