Iindustry leaders have gathered on the 11th of February 2026 in Antwerp to ask for leadership and bold action to boost industrial competitiveness in Europe. Cement Europe supports the call for action addressed at government leaders ahead of their informal retreat on 12 February in Alden Biesen.
The Antwerp Call for Action highlights that European industries face persistently high energy and carbon costs, as well as unfair trade practices. This finding is in line with what Cement Europe has identified as the triple impact of structurally high energy prices, carbon and regulatory cost on the competitiveness of our industry.
On carbon cost, Cement Europe calls for both short and long-term security through the following four measures:
• No further delay in the adoption of the ETS benchmarks for the period 2026-2030 with benchmarks that fully comply with the EU ETS Directive and its Annex I; the regulatory uncertainty around the newly introduced binder benchmark is unhelpful for the industry’s long-term business planning.
• The ETS, as a market-based system, remains the core driver of decarbonisation in the EU. The reform of the ETS, to be proposed in Q3 2026, offers a key opportunity for securing long-term planning for decarbonisation projects that are needed if the EU is to reach net zero by 2050. In this context, an orderly and transparent review process with a focus on the long-term functioning of ETS is critical.
• Investment security demands a fully effective and operational Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) that mirrors the ETS requirements, addresses both imports and exports to prevent further offshoring of cement production outside the EU and takes adequate measures to address the risks of misrepresentation, circumvention and abusive practices.
ETS revenues must be channelled back to the ETS-sectors to support their decarbonisation pathways. The cement industry alone is expected to pay between EUR 100 billion to EUR 160 billion into the ETS over the next ten years. Allocating these resources to de-risk major transformation projects will help ensure that the industry remains competitive and future-proof.
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Other events in 2026:
Women in CemCo International Congress Americas 2026 – 12-13 March, at the Hilton Anaotole in Dallas, TX, USA
The Women in Cement and Construction International Congress Americas 2026 is a unique platform where professionals, leaders, and advocates come together to champion the essential role of women in these fields. Through inspiring stories, collaborative sessions, and strategic discussions, we aim to show women how they can find a career in the industry and to help the industry advance profitability by empowering women to lead and innovate. The only executive-level, cement- and concrete-focused women’s leadership congress in the Americas.
Cementitious Materials International Congress Americas 2026 – 12-13 March, at the Hilton Anaotole in Dallas, TX, USA
The Cementitious Materials International Technical and Trade Congress Americas is the finest industry event for SCMs, the premier gathering of US cement traders, industry experts, and professionals passionate about the latest advancements and limitless opportunities in the field of cementitious materials including ashes, slags, artificial and natural pozzolana, fumes, clays and construction and demolition waste used as alternative raw materials.
ESG and Sustainability International Summit and Industry 5.0 Conference and Exhibition – June 10-11, 2026; Location: Sao Paulo, Brazil
A premier regional platform for industry leaders to discuss sustainability, ESG strategies, and regulatory advancements in cement and construction. This event brings together thought leaders and corporate professionals from around the world to explore the latest trends in sustainable finance, legal frameworks, and industry innovations.
We are also including panel discussions on Industry 5.0 to discuss how AI and Automation and other smart solutions are contributing to the decarbonization of the cement & construction industry.
The event is designed to inspire, educate, and empower corporate attendees to drive sustainable progress and create a positive impact on our planet and society, previous editions were held in Madeira, Portugal and Cairo, Egypt in 2024 and 2025 respectively.
Cementitious Materials International technical and Trade Congress EMEA, 28 – 29 October, Brussels, Belgium
The EMEA edition of the Cementitious Materials International technical and Trade Congress is poised to build om success stories of past events – the first edition was held in Casablanca, Morocco in April 2024 and the second edition was also held in Cairo earlier this year.
This is once again an opportunity to network with your peers and leaders in the industry, gain first-hand insights on regional trends, learn from industry experts about the latest market dynamics, regulatory changes and future outlook of cementitious materials in the region.
See link for the summary of the last edition – Cementitious Materials International TechTrade Congress – EMEA | Cairo, Egypt | June 3-4, 2025 (Overview here)
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026 to include Cementitious Europe – Congress, 28 – 29 October, Brussels, Belgium
This premier global platform, CarbonZero brings together senior decision-makers to accelerate the transition to Net Zero in cement and construction. The conference will explore green alternatives—ranging from alternative fuels and raw materials to clinker substitutes-alongside emerging technologies, carbon capture, financing and investment strategies, policy developments, and industry standards. This C-level gathering convenes leaders from cement manufacturing, construction, technology, research, academia, and regulatory institutions—united in shaping actionable and sustainable solutions.
Women In CemCo EMEA TBA
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