The appointment of Lukas Hanstein as Head of Politics was a key impetus for this strategic reorientation. At the same time, the ZVO Executive Board has formulated a clear desire to not only accompany European policy developments, but to help shape them much earlier, more directly and in a more structured way in future. The increasing density of regulation at EU level, particularly in the areas of environmental, chemicals and industrial policy, makes such a proactive approach absolutely essential.

Against this background, the ZVO has decided to work with EPPA, which will coordinate European policy activities in future in close cooperation with Lukas Hanstein and Dr Malte-Matthias Zimmer and in close consultation with the ZVO Executive Board.

EPPA (European Public Policy Advisers Partnership) has many years of experience in European chemical, environmental and industrial policy and has been supporting companies and associations from chemical-related industries in Brussels for many years. This depth of expertise, combined with a robust network in Parliament, the Commission and subordinate authorities, forms a central basis for the new collaboration.

The aim of the reorganisation is, in particular, to get involved in politically decisive processes at a much earlier stage. Procedures such as REACH revisions or the design of BREF documents often have an impact at a very early stage - long before formal consultations begin. This is where the ZVO will focus more strongly in future: through early political dialogue, targeted placement of arguments and continuous monitoring of the relevant dossiers.

The cooperation with EPPA is clearly structured. EPPA, Hanstein and Dr Zimmer coordinate current developments, political assessments and specific measures in weekly meetings. In addition, there is a regular monthly dialogue with the ZVO Executive Board. In this context, political trends are categorised, strategic recommendations are made and new channels of discussion are opened at European level.

With the reorganisation of its European policy, the ZVO is responding to the growing challenges for surface technology in Europe. The aim is to represent the interests of member companies more effectively, address undesirable regulatory developments at an early stage and secure industrial value creation in Germany and Europe in the long term.