About the Forum:
The goals of the European Road Maintenance Forum align with those of International Road Maintenance Day, which takes place on the first Thursday of April each year. As part of ERMF, and to raise awareness while encouraging stakeholders to take action, EAPA hosts the Road Maintenance Matters event at its Brussels office on International Road Maintenance Day.
Speakers and key stakeholders gather in person at the EAPA office for this important occasion, while participants from across the globe register to join online and engage in the discussions via live chat and Q and A sessions.
We are grateful for the enthusiastic response each year. The event is free to attend. We thank all those involved — from speakers and participants to supporters who help amplify the outcomes and calls to action.
We look forward to continued collaboration in advancing road maintenance practices globally.
Why Road Maintenance Matters
The imperative to reduce CO2 emissions has become central to global and European policy. Europe is committed to reducing CO2 emissions, aiming for a 55% reduction by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. In this scenario, the transport sector has been identified as one of the most CO2-producing sectors. With over 90% of European roads surfaced with asphalt, the asphalt industry holds the potential for significant emissions reduction.
Proper maintenance can lead to smoother surfaces, reducing fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by up to 5%. This equates to annual savings of 14 million tonnes of CO2 or the equivalent of removing 3 million cars from the roads. Moreover, well-maintained roads benefit electric vehicles, reduce traffic noise, enhance travel time, and decrease vehicle maintenance costs. Additionally, asphalt’s recyclability aligns with circular economy principles. Despite these benefits, road maintenance faces budget and technological challenges. Establishing a European Road Maintenance Forum provides a collaborative platform to address these issues.
Objectives of the Forum
- Advocate for increased funding and support for road maintenance initiatives.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge exchange for decarbonising transport services.
- Identify common challenges and best practices in road maintenance.
- Support green procurement and regulation, research and development needs.
- Facilitate the adoption of innovative technologies and sustainable practices.
Benefits
- Access to a network of experts and practitioners in road maintenance.
- Opportunity to contribute to shaping policies and standards.
- Exchange of knowledge and best practices.
- Enhanced visibility and recognition for active involvement in road maintenance initiatives.
Membership
Membership is open to institutions involved in road maintenance across Europe, including European institutions, government agencies, local authorities, research institutions, industry associations and private companies specialising in road infrastructure management and maintenance. The Steering Committee of ERMF comprises representatives from EAPA and ASEFMA, responsible for setting strategic direction, overseeing activities, and ensuring the forum’s objectives are met.
Contact
For inquiries regarding this forum and membership, please write to Carsten Karcher, Secretary-General for EAPA at karcher@eapa.org.
For all PR and communication purposes reach us at communications@eapa.org or meghaa@hummingclouds.com