Recap of the 79^th General Meeting of the European Council of Civil Engineers

From 9^th to 11^th October 2024, the 79^th ECCE General Meeting took place in Athens, hosted by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TCG) and the Association of Civil Engineers of Greece (ACEG). The event coincided with the 100^th anniversary of TCG, marking a significant milestone for Greek civil engineers.

BIM Conference: BIM Beyond 101

Held on 9^th October at the Eugenides Foundation, the "BIM Beyond 101" conference brought together over 300 participants, facilitating dialogue and sharing best practices in Building Information Modelling (BIM). Hosted by TCG and BOUSSIAS, the event featured speeches from ECCE President Andreas Brandner and incoming President Platonas Stylianou, and a wide range of international and Greek experts on BIM. It aimed to connect experts and professionals and highlight the achievements of Greek engineers in BIM both locally and internationally.

More information can be found at the BIM Conference website

Scientific Conference on Engineers' Associations History, Roles, Interventions, and Perspectives

As part of TCG's centennial celebrations, the conference "Engineers' Associations: History, Roles, Interventions, and Perspectives" was held on 10^th October, exploring the history and future role of engineering associations. Moderated by ECCE Past President Aris Chatzidakis, the event provided a platform for discussing the impact of these organizations on the profession.

79^th ECCE General Meeting Highlights

The 79^th ECCE General Meeting brought together civil engineering professionals from across Europe to discuss key challenges, opportunities, and the future of the industry. Hosted by the Technical Chamber of Greece and the Association of Civil Engineers of Greece, the meeting emphasised collaboration and knowledge sharing.

In his opening remarks, ECCE President Andreas Brandner highlighted the importance of maintaining rigorous education and hands-on experience in engineering while cautioning against an over-reliance on digital tools. Brandner also advocated for the EU-wide recognition of civil engineers to boost mobility and attract international talent. He reflected on his presidency, emphasising the progress made despite challenges such as the pandemic.

The meeting featured several notable presentations, including a detailed overview of the Technical Chamber of Greece by Ms. Liana Anagnostaki and a speech by Paris Charlafits of the Association of Civil Engineers of Greece, who emphasised Athens' role in innovation and democracy. Key updates included the ECCE Activity Report, financial discussions, and progress on updating the "Civil Engineering Profession in Europe" book, which aims to provide a comprehensive digital resource for the profession.

The meeting also marked the transition in leadership, with Platonas Stylianou assuming the ECCE presidency, and a new Executive Board for the period 2024–2027 was elected. Stylianou's opening speech focused on the importance of unity and innovation, with a commitment to addressing climate change and sustainable development through initiatives like the Green Deal and Construction 2050. The event concluded with a hospitality programme featuring traditional Greek cuisine and a technical visit to Ellinikon Experience Park.

The European Council of Civil Engineers extends its heartfelt appreciation to the TCG and the ACEG for successfully organising the 79^th ECCE General Meeting and congratulates the TCG for their centennial anniversary. The ECCE is immensely grateful for their impeccable organisational skills and exceptional hospitality, which contributed to the resounding success of these events.