The 76^th General Meeting of the European Council of Civil Engineers (ECCE) convened in Nicosia in Cyprus from 24^th to 27^th May 2023 hosted by the Cyprus Association of Civil Engineers (CYACE). The event brought together representatives from professional organizations of civil engineers across numerous European countries and the international community. Dignitaries such as the Presidents of the World Council of Civil Engineers (WCCE) and the European Council of Engineers Chambers (ECEC), as well as the Secretary General of the Engineering Association of Mediterranean Countries (EAMC) also attended the assembly.

The Minister of Transport, Communications, and Works, Mr. Alexis Vafeadis, emphasized the importance of ensuring safety, health, and sustainability in construction projects in his opening speech. The President of the Scientific and Technical Chamber of Cyprus (ETEK), Mr. Constantinos Constanti, and the Secretary-General of CYACE, Mr. Kyriakos Tsioupanis, also delivered welcome messages. Ms. Evangelitsa Tsoulofta, the President of CYACE, presented the organization's work and showcased its activities through a commemorative video on its 30^th anniversary.

In his opening speech at the 76^th ECCE General Assembly, the President of the European Council of Civil Engineers, Mr. Andreas Brandner, extended a warm welcome and expressed gratitude to the CYACE for hosting the session. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, armed conflicts, and EU developments, the President highlighted the opportunities they bring to the engineering profession. He emphasized the need for engineers to present themselves as solution-oriented, highly qualified partners, requiring reflection on training, qualifications, and uniform solutions that enable greater mobility. Brandner also highlighted important initiatives on building safety and expanding membership, while emphasizing the importance of politics in addition to technical aspects. The review and analysis of national regulations aim to facilitate engineer mobility, acknowledging language skills as a potential obstacle. He concluded by expressing hopes for intensive cooperation during the assembly and an enjoyable time in Nicosia, including the subsequent international conference on Health and Safety.

Key highlights of the General Assembly included the presentation of ECCE's Strategic Plan for 2023-2030, outlining the organization's goals and vision for the future. Notably, "Engineers Ireland's Civil Engineering Department" officially joined ECCE as a member, and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between ECCE and the International Safety and Health Coordinators in Construction (ISHCCO), emphasizing their commitment to promoting a culture of prevention for professional safety and health in Europe and globally.

The General Assembly also announced the updated joint declaration (Manifesto) titled "3S Approach - Safe - Sound - Sustainable: The Need for Integrating Structural/Seismic Upgrade of Existing Buildings, together with Energy Efficiency Improvements" by ECCE and WCCE. This initiative, which originated in Europe in 2020, now represents the shared vision of civil engineers worldwide, aiming to promote holistic upgrade approaches that align with global policies and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for a safe and sustainable world. Mr. Platonas Stylianou, the Vice-President/President-Elect of ECCE and coordinator of the collaborative working group between ECCE and WCCE, delivered a comprehensive presentation on the progress achieved thus far, outlining the future objectives and vision of this joint endeavor. Additionally, Mr. Platonas Stylianou presented the progress on ECCE's upcoming book on the "Civil Engineering Profession in Europe" and the developments related to the 3S Approach initiative.

The General Assembly featured presentations on recent earthquakes in Turkey and research findings by ECCE members concerning building inspections, disaster resilience, and professional safety and health.

Through discussions, exchange of opinions, and practical solutions, the General Assembly strengthened the bonds between ECCE members and CYACE, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

The ECCE General Assembly concluded with the 8^th International Construction Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) Conference, titled "Respect Human Rights - Everyone Has a Role to Play," with the motto "Focus on People - Join Vision Zero" (ww.cosh.cy). The conference, held on May 26^th and 27^th, 2023, at the Hilton Nicosia Hotel, attracted over 250 delegates and featured 17 distinguished speakers from seven European countries.

As part of the hospitality program organized by the Cyprus Association of Civil Engineers, attendees enjoyed traditional Cypriot gifts, experienced traditional dances, and partook in dinners, and cultural visits along with various other activities.

The comprehensive collection of materials, presentations, and captivating photographs from the 76^th ECCE General Meeting are readily accessible for consultation by visiting the links below.

The European Council of Civil Engineers extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Cyprus Association of Civil Engineers for orchestrating successfully the 76^th ECCE General Meeting and the esteemed 8^th International Construction Occupational Safety and Health Conference. The ECCE is immensely grateful for their impeccable organizational skills and exceptional hospitality, which contributed to the resounding success of these events.

MATERIALS OF THE EVENTS

Press Release - 76th ECCE GM 

76th ECCE GM Agenda

76th ECCE GM Presentations and Materials

8th International COSH presentations

PHOTOGALLERY 

25.05.2023 (1st Day – 76th GM ECCE)

26.05.2023 (2nd Day – 76th GM ECCE)

25.05.2023 (Dinner – Gefsikleous Restaurant)

26.05.2023 (Gala Dinner)

ExBo Dinner (24.05) – Curium(27.05) - Visiting Tours (25.05 & 26.05)

26.05.2023 (1st Day – Friday – 26.05.2023 - 8th International Conference)

27.05.2023 (2nd Day – Saturday – 27.05.2023 - 8th International Conference)