The strategic importance and future development of the raw material industries across Europe are the subject of two recent reports published by the EU institutions.

Globalisation, economic development and population growth are combining to create ever greater competition for natural resources in all sectors. EU industries active in the telecoms, transport, energy and other hi-tech sectors are facing tougher competition from rapidly expanding economies.

What could have been a relatively pleasant train journey in October to visit the Dutch Young Greens in Groningen turned into an hour-long bus ordeal. The reason: copper from the railway lines had been stolen.

Eurometaux, the voice of the European Non-Ferrous Metals industry, offered its support to the Parliament’s Industry, Research and Energy Committee following the adoption of amendments to Mr Bütikofer’s ‘Report on effective raw materials strategy for Europe’ and called for the swift and concrete implementation of the objectives and actions identified.

The European Copper Institute attended AquaNor 2011 in Trondheim, Norway. ECI demonstrated the use of innovative copper alloys for both near- and off-shore marine aquaculture enclosures.

The winners of the 2011 European Copper in Architecture Awards were announced at a presentation ceremony in Brussels on 27th September. With 66 entries – the highest so far – and generally exhibiting a high standard of design, the Awards are a celebration of the very best in contemporary European architecture.