EAPA Secretary General’s Reflections: How the 8th E&E Congress Shaped Industry Conversations
As summer draws to a close, I reflect on the season’s beginning, marked by the extraordinary 8th E&E Congress in Budapest. Jointly organised by EAPA and Eurobitume, this congress was a milestone for the asphalt and bitumen industries, bringing together 800 participants from more than 50 countries. Delegations from Japan, Australia, South Africa, Malaysia, India, Singapore, and the US joined experts and leaders from across the globe to share knowledge, discuss emerging trends, and explore the future of asphalt road infrastructure. The congress provided a dynamic platform for industry discussions with 130 exhibitors, 74 speakers across 11 sessions, and three interactive workshops. I’m delighted with the overwhelmingly positive feedback, which reflects the success of this landmark event.
The opening session set the tone for the congress, featuring remarks from Hungarian Secretary of State Mr. Nagy Balint, followed by welcoming addresses from EAPA President Ralf Pomp and Eurobitume President Pavel Kriz. Keynote presentations by Philippe Moseley of the European Commission, Elisabet Stadler (PeaB), and Pete Grass (AiF) captured the audience’s attention, sparking conversations that shaped the direction of the congress. An engaging panel discussion closed the session, fostering vibrant debates, inspiring presentations, and meaningful exchanges that will shape the future of our industry.
EAPA had its own presence in the “Associations Lounge” with our booth and several key moments. One of the highlights was presenting the “EAPA Asphalt Advocate 2024” award to Tibor Veress, honoring his outstanding contributions to the industry, especially his work on the Asphalt Advantages Campaign and his dedication to supporting young engineers in Hungary. Furthermore, we used the stage also to announce the release of the important “EAPA Roadmap to Net Zero”.
Beyond the professional sessions, the congress featured several enjoyable social activities, including a scenic cruise along the Danube, a welcome reception, and the #RunnersLoveAsphalt “Run for Fun.” A memorable congress dinner at the Museum of Fine Arts provided attendees with the perfect blend of culture, live music, and excellent cuisine. These social events added a rich layer of engagement, allowing participants to form connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
Feedback collected via the event app showed high satisfaction levels, with 93% of delegates rating their experience as high or very high, and 100% of industry partners expressing satisfaction with the networking opportunities. As we reflect on the success of the 8th E&E Congress, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the innovative ideas and strong connections that emerged. From the stunning venue to the engaging social activities, insightful poster sessions, dynamic exhibitions, and thought-provoking presentations, every aspect of the congress was highly appreciated by attendees. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the participants, speakers, and sponsors for their invaluable contributions in making this event such a success.
For those who attended or are catching up on industry developments, the upcoming edition of the EAPA Magazine will highlight key achievements from the E&E Congress in Budapest. Packed with industry updates, news, and details of upcoming events, this edition will keep you informed and engaged. I encourage everyone in the asphalt community to dive into this issue and celebrate the many successes of our industry.
We are excited to continue building on this momentum at the E&E Event 2026 in Vienna on the 11th & 12th of June, where we hope to welcome many familiar faces and invite new participants to join in shaping the future of our industry. SAVE THE DATE and I hope to see you all at our next big event.
