A few days ago, EuropeOn celebrated its 70th anniversary in the historical Cinéma Palace, in Brussels. The event included the presentation of our new Sector Report “Electrical Contractors: problem solvers in a fast-changing Europe” and the opening of the art exhibition “Electricity Meets Art”, with art pieces commissioned to artists from créahmbxl.
Presenting the key figures of the electrical contracting sector
The event kicked off with the launch of our new Sector Report, “Electrical Contractors: Problem Solvers in a Fast-Changing Europe.” Martin Bailey, Chair of our Value-Chain Working Group and Board Member, alongside Julie Beaufils, EuropeOn’s Secretary-General, presented key insights from the report. They highlighted the scale of the European electrical contracting sector, which currently employs 2.7 million professionals, consists of 420,000 businesses, and generates an annual turnover of €300 billion.
After the presentation, the Head of Unit for Buildings and Products from the European Commission (DG ENER), Stefan Moser, joined the discussion on the report and the role of electrical contractors in tackling current challenges in Europe. He gave some insights on the key role of electrification in making buildings more energy efficient, specially in the context of Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and on the necessity for Member States to transpose the 2024 recast of the EPBD by the end of May 2026
Electricity met art thanks to créahmbxl
The evening continued with the opening of our very first art exhibition titled “Electricity meets Art”, with art pieces created by artists from créahmbxl specifically for the occasion. Using discarded electrical materials – provided by Volta and Belga Solar – as a canvas, they elaborated art pieces related to electricity, electric networks, and even electric safety! We were honoured with the presence of three of the four artists, as well as representatives from créahmbxl who further explained the concept behind the exhibition to our guests.
Some of our members were so excited about the art pieces that they bought two of them on the spot! The Chair of our Swedish member Installatörsföretagen bought the painting by Ines Reddah, which represents colourful ‘electrified’ characters on a solar panel. They were so enthusiastic about it that they managed to take it on their flight back home the next day! On the other hand, our Finnish members STUL fell in love with the detailed work of Michaël Mvukani Mpiolani, who created an ‘electric city’ on a solar panel.
Happy 70th Birthday EuropeOn!
Last but not least, what is a birthday party without festive speeches? Kimmo Hallamaa our newly-elected president, reflected on EuropeOn’s journey and took the opportunity to congratulate our past Presidents – some of which were present at the event: Karl-Heinz Bertram (Germany), Janne Skogberg (Finland), Gérard Constantin (Switzerland) and Martin Bailey (UK), while Thomas Carlsson (Sweden) was sent regards to. Katharina Knapton-Vierlich, Head of Unit for Construction Policy at the European Commission (DG GROW) and Michaela Holl, Senior Associate from Agora Energiewende, shared some kind birthday wishes and words on the work of EuropeOn. The former agreed to try and imagine what our sector could look like in 70 years: more professionals, much more women, more automation and circularity. The latter highlighted the multi-faceted role of electrical contractors to tackle all sorts of challenges.
While Brussels experienced its first snow of the season, our guests enjoyed a festive evening filled with electrifying art, inspiring conversations, and shared memories. It was a perfect way to celebrate 70 incredible years of EuropeOn’s history and look forward to many more to come!
Read more about EuropeOn’s history and have a look at the photo gallery of the event.
