The European salt sector meets in Bucharest for the EUsalt Annual Events 2025

Bucharest, June 13 2025

From 10-13 June 2025, around 100 salt experts, academia actors and industry leaders from member companies and external participants met in Bucharest (RO) for the EUsalt Annual Events 2025.

'This week’s gathering is a celebration of collaboration. We’ve grown to include 29 members, ‎uniting salt producers from all geographies and production methods — rock salt, vacuum ‎salt, and sea salt. There is room for all in this association. And there is strength in that ‎diversity.‎ It’s also a timely reminder of why associations like EUsalt are more important than ever. Being part of EUsalt is not a formality — it is a strategic investment. It means visibility. It ‎means information. It means influence.' affirmed Urs Hofmeier, outgoing EUsalt President.  

The events were co-hosted by the Salrom, who welcomed the participants to the 'little Paris of the East', Bucharest, with a charming visit to the Romanian Parliament building, and a visit to the monumental Slănic-Prahova Salt Mine, as well as a relaxing afternoon at Casa Timiș Winery. A big thanks to Salrom's team for their hospitality and help in the organisation. Hosting us at such a critical time—while dealing with the aftermath of the floods in the Praid salt mine—was a strong sign of resilience and commitment.

On June 12, the EUsalt’s General Assembly nominated the new EUsalt Board for the term 2025-2028. The new Board members are as follows:

• Holger Bekemeier (President) - K+S Minerals and Agriculture
• Giacomo D’Ali Staiti (Vice President) – SoSalt
• Manfred Koopman (Auditor) - ICL Group
• Ulrich Fluck (Auditor) - Südwestdeutsche Salzwerke
• Hubert François - Groupe Salins
• Philipp Polenz – Nobian
• Peter Untersperger - Salinen Austria
• Dan Dobrea – Salrom
• Thilo Birkenheier – Qemetica 

The General Assembly was followed by an open conference on various topics of great importance for the sector, such as global and European salt market perspectives, safety at work, iodised salt, sustainability and extracting minerals from seawater.‎ Speakers from different backgrounds, including ‎representatives from academia and industry‎, presented their projects and research, all linked to the salt industry and its potential for consumers and producers in different fields. 

The Innovation Award to: SoSalt with the project ‘MareMag Life’ 

The Safety Award to: ICL Group with the project ‘Captain's Eye’ 

Congratulations to the winners and all the contenders.  

A big thank you to the sponsors of this year’s conference and see you next year in Italy!