New this February - CRU’s World Stainless Steel Conference.

We have moved the conference to the beginning of the year, allowing delegates to reflect on the past year, but more importantly to be able to plan for the year ahead.

The conference attracts a board range of the stainless steel industry participants - from producers to end users. It is a truly international event attracting delegates from over 33 different countries.

In 2012 the conference will start off looking at developments in different regions - from China to the US. In the afternoon established end users will share their views on areas of high growth potential for the stainless steel industry. The second day will give delegates a comprehensive overview of raw materials from the main ingredients like chrome, nickel, scrap and molybdenum to the more exotic super alloys. Presentations will include CRU’s stainless and raw materials outlook offering delegates information based on robust data and proven methodology and the opportunity to network with a select group of executives.

Key reasons to attend:

• Understand the most pressing challenges for the stainless steel market
• Hear the most up to date market analysis and forecasts for this industry
• Update yourself with the latest strategies in an increasingly competitive industry
• Build valuable lasting business relationships

New for 2012:

Raw Materials European and Global Perspectives workshop

EU industries are facing fierce competition for natural resources from emerging economies. China and India for instance are increasingly using raw materials from Africa and Latin America, which are home to some of Earth's largest reserves of minerals and metals.

EurActiv invites policymakers and stakeholders to debate the European Commission’s 2020 flagship initiative on resource efficiency focusing on raw material industries from both a European and global perspective:

· The European Commission is working on a raw materials initiative aimed at improving recycling markets, namely through the possible development of best practices in collection and treatment of waste, improvement in the availability of certain statistics on waste and materials flows, and support for research on economic incentives for recycling. How will this fit into the broader picture of resource efficiency?

· Is the EU’s access to raw materials on world markets any better? Are there improved conditions for raw materials extraction within Europe?

· With discussions increasingly focusing on resource and energy efficiency, what role do raw materials play in this debate from both an European and a global perspective?

· From a global perspective, what lessons can be learnt from the American and Chinese approaches to raw material policy? 

Invited contributors include:
Gerben-Jan GERBRAN DY ME P
Reinhard BÜTIKOFER , MEP
Maria SPILIOPOULOU, Deputy HoU Metal, Minerals, Raw Materials, DG ENTR
Mattia PELLEGRINI , Member of Tajani cabinet

Moderator: Frédéric Simon, Editor, EurActiv.com
Chair: Ross Melzer, Public Affairs Director, EurActiv.com