The PRE Congress took place in Helsinki from June 10th to 12th, 2026. Over 50 PRE members, senior management staff from refractory companies, and representatives of national associations participated. Poland also had a large presence this year. The Congress provided a forum for exchanging views on key development areas, challenges, and priorities shaping the refractory materials sector in Europe.
On June 10th, the opening of the Congress was preceded by a meeting of the PRE Executive Committee, and in the evening, Congress participants had the opportunity to renew contacts and establish new ones during a cocktail reception aboard a ferry sailing along the scenic route through the Helsinki archipelago.
June 11th The PRE Economic Committee’s program presented key data on the refractory materials market. Then, after an introduction by PRE President Matthias Stalzer and Nordic Association Chairman Antti Hautamaki, Harri Leppanen, President of the Finnish Steel and Metal Producers’ Association, presented “The Future of Steel and Other Metals in the Nordic Countries.” In his presentation on “The Future of Industry in the EU”, the PRE President discussed the key challenges and opportunities for the refractory materials industry in Europe and outlined priorities that will create competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainable development. Thematic workshops on communication and the position and expectations regarding emerging issues helped identify methods for strengthening communication and generated valuable insights into demonstrating the importance and building a more innovative and resilient refractory materials industry in Europe.
During the Gala Dinner, awards were presented in the PRE safety competition. First place went to Refratechnik’s Gornal plant in Spain for a project that eliminates dangerous manual labor during equipment operation. Second place went to Calderys’ Atteville plant in France for its simple solution for pedestrian safety in its hall. Third place went to Alfran’s Alcala de Guadaira plant in Spain and Refratechnik Gochstein in Germany for solutions that increase safety during maintenance and reduce physical strain in laboratory work.
Special guest of the Congress, MEP Mr Mika Aaltola, discussed the changing safety landscape, highlighting the geopolitical and economic challenges that will shape the future of Europe.
The next PRE Congress will take place from June 30 to July 2, 2027, in Krakow. As the host of the event, SPMO has begun preparations.
