On 5 April 2019, EPF joined the EU delegation to Morocco and 4 EU Member States in a meeting with the Moroccan Industry Ministry in Rabat to defend the interests of the European coated particleboard exporters against a possible safeguard measure.

By protecting the sole domestic particleboard producer, thousands of jobs in the Moroccan furniture industry could be put at risk.

For more information: https://www.lavieeco.com/news/economie/entreprises/bois-revetu-les-dessous-du-differend-opposant-cema-bois-de-latlas-aux-importateurs.html

With 120 participants, this was unprecedented in Morocco and raised interest by major domestic press. Debates between Moroccan stakeholders were at some point very lively.

For more information: https://www.leconomiste.com/article/1041597-bois-la-surprenante-piste-europeenne-de-l-antidumping

EPF made its position clear and intervened during the public hearing on commercial defense held by the Moroccan Industry Ministry on 28 February 2019.

Morocco launched its safeguard investigation on coated particleboard imports in July 2018. Responding robustly, EPF capitalised on previous experience, such as its successful 2015 intervention in the Tunisian safeguard investigation (now shelved). EPF advocates strongly for its members’ interests anywhere in the world.

EPF is delighted to have become a Member of the Industry4Europe coalition: 157 organisations from across the EU will campaign for an ambitious EU industrial strategy. Industry4Europe will help to set the vision for the long-term future of the EU’s industrial and manufacturing strategy.

Industry4Europe published several Joint Papers and Declarations on establishing an ambitious Industrial Strategy. The latest Industry4Europe joint call to the EU27 ahead of the European Council Summit at the end of March 2019 asked for a vision to ensure that Europe remains a hub for a leading, smart, innovative & sustainable industry, that benefits all Europeans and future generations.

On 10 April 2019, Industry4Europe & the Romanian Permanent Representation to the EU organised a joint strategy event: “Setting the scene for an industrial vision for 2030 and beyond”. The EU27 invite the European Commission to present by the end of 2019 a long-term vision for the EU’s industrial future, with concrete measures to implement it, addressing the challenges European industry faces and touching upon all relevant policy areas.

#MEPAwards19

2019’s ceremony of the Parliament Magazine MEP Awards was hosted on 20 March by Seb Dance, Member of the European Parliament. EPF presented the Energy Award to MEP Vladimir Urutchev. EPF thanked MEPs for the support given last year on #REDII to a level playing field for wood, a truly #sustainable and #renewable (but not unlimited) resource.

The European Panel Federation (Clive Pinnington, Managing Director & Kris Wijnendaele, Technical Director) enjoyed talking with the nominees of the Environment Award, MEP Catherine Bearder, MEP Mark Demesmaeker, and eventual winner, MEP Benedek Jávor, on dinner tables made of #woodbasedpanels, showcasing natural products favourable to the environment.

EPF thanks Dods for organising last night’s excellent event. EPF thanks all MEPs for their hard work in the current term and wishes everyone well in the upcoming elections. EPF looks forward to working with the new Parliament towards a #climateneutral Europe.

Congratulations to all MEPs for your dedication this term, good luck in your re-election campaigns (and don’t forget to fill your homes and offices with wood-based panels as a direct contribution to a climate neutral Europe!)