A new strategic chapter for European surface treatment representation
On 30 March 2026, CETS held a meeting with representatives of its member associations to discuss the future strategic model of the organisation and the operational steps needed to strengthen its European representation. The meeting marked an important moment of alignment, confirming the need to move from occasional participation to a more continuous, coordinated and technically credible presence at EU level.
The discussion started from a shared observation: the European regulatory environment is becoming faster, denser and increasingly political. Major dossiers such as REACH 2.0, chromium VI, PFAS, CLP, occupational safety and health, the STM BREF/BAT review and IED 2.0 require timely technical input, clear sector positions and stronger coordination between national associations and European decision-making processes.
A central point of the presentation was the difference between the simplified logic often used in regulatory development and the complex reality of industrial transition. Substitution, technological change and environmental improvement are not linear processes. They depend on technical feasibility, customer specifications, qualification requirements, investment certainty, skilled workers, timing, budgets and market risks.
The proposed 2026-2028 strategy is structured around four pillars:
- Connect,
- Engage,
- Transform and
- Strengthen.
In practice, this means building direct relationships with EU institutions and partner organisations, increasing participation in committees and consultations, moving from isolated reactions to a structured policy process, and reinforcing the credibility of the sector through coordinated technical positions supported by documented evidence.
The meeting also presented a repeatable operational method based on five steps:
- Monitor,
- Interpret,
- Align,
- Act and
- Report.
This working cycle is designed to transform regulatory intelligence into common positions, consultation responses, technical submissions and regular feedback to members. However, it was clearly stated that the cycle can only work if member associations actively contribute experts, company evidence, use cases and rapid technical feedback. CETS therefore identified the nomination of national technical experts as an immediate priority. The current level of involvement in EU committees and technical forums was described not as a criticism, but as the starting point for the next phase. The meeting confirmed that CETS already has the basis to evolve into a more visible and credible European representation hub, provided that this common ambition is translated into coordinated evidence, constant presence and trusted voices from the member countries.