Antonis Antoniou Latouros made history in June this year when he became the first Aggregates Europe – UEPG president to be elected for a second three-year term. Guy Woodford spoke to him about his first term at the influential Brussels-based aggregates industry association and his ambitious second-term agenda.
Antonis Latouros is used to getting results. A highly successful Cypriot aggregates and waste recycling sector entrepreneur, he is keen to achieve as much as possible after his groundbreaking re-election as Aggregates Europe-UEPG president.
He urgently wants to see an amendment to the Critical Raw Materials Act or a new Essential Raw Materials Act that prioritises approving new quarry licences and extending existing licences to enable quarrying firms to access more of their mineral reserves.
“The issue of insufficient new quarry approvals and the challenges in extending existing quarry permits is a pressing concern for the aggregates industry in Europe. We are actively addressing this through our collaboration with academic institutions, notably the comprehensive study we’ve commissioned at the University of Leoben in Austria. This study aims to identify gaps and problems in the permitting processes across various EU member states and proposes actionable solutions.
“One key finding emphasises the need for streamlined permitting procedures. We’ve recognised that lengthy and complex approval processes hinder the ability to meet the growing demand for aggregates, especially in light of increasing infrastructure needs tied to the Green Deal and other initiatives. Establishing a ‘one-stop shop’ for permitting can significantly reduce the time and complexity of securing approvals. Some countries have already implemented such systems, reducing permitting times and enhancing efficiency.”
Latouros says that if these issues remain unaddressed, it could lead to a scenario where the supply of aggregates cannot keep pace with demand, leading to potential shortages and increased prices. “In the medium to long term, this could stifle economic growth and hinder the progress of essential infrastructure projects across Europe. Therefore, it is crucial that we advocate for legislative reforms through an amended Critical Raw Materials Act or new Essential Raw Materials Act and improved collaboration among regulatory authorities to ensure that our industry can sustainably meet future demands.”
Since 1987, Aggregates Europe – UEPG has represented the European aggregates industry in Brussels, with members in 25 countries. It is by far the largest non-energy extractive industry, covering a demand of three billion tonnes of aggregates per year. It is produced on 26,000 sites by 15,000 companies, mostly small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and employs 187,000 people across Europe.
The Aggregates Europe – UEPG general secretariat conducts public affairs activities. It promotes the interests of its members at national and European levels in economic, technical, health and safety and environmental policies. The association coordinates the EU network and proactively identifies EU initiatives and policies likely to impact European aggregates producers, keeping members updated on relevant policy developments and ensuring EU decision-makers consider Aggregates Europe – UEPG positions.
Aggregates Europe – UEPG currently has 16 associations as full members, four associate association members, two associate company members, and four affiliated members.
“One of the biggest challenges we faced during my first term was expanding our membership,” stresses Latouros. “When I was elected in June 2021, I committed to visiting all our current members and reaching out to countries not yet part of our association. Over the past three years, these visits revealed various issues that prevented some countries from becoming full members or even joining.
“To address this challenge, we developed a new membership scheme, which was approved during our last Delegates Assembly. This scheme is designed to be more inclusive and adaptable, allowing us to better accommodate the unique circumstances of potential member countries. With this new approach, I am optimistic that we will successfully enlarge our membership base in my second term.”
Because of his success in visiting all your members and potential new members throughout Europe, Latouros says his UEPG-Aggregates Europe colleagues call him “The travelling president.”
“I have managed to do this because my family, especially my wife Eleni, understands and supports me; otherwise, it wouldn’t be possible. In the meantime, this personal touch is very helpful in fostering stronger collaboration among our member associations.”
How does Latouros feel about being Aggregates Europe-UEPG’s first two-term president? “It’s a tremendous honour. This opportunity allows me to build upon the momentum and achievements of our first term, driving forward our mission to promote sustainable practices, innovation, and advocacy within the aggregates industry across Europe. I am deeply committed to advancing our industry’s interests, collaborating closely with our members and stakeholders to navigate challenges and seize opportunities for growth and sustainability.”
Latouros, who has served as president of the Cyprus Aggregates Producers Association since 2013, brings a wealth of aggregates industry experience to the Aggregates Europe – UEPG presidency. His M.S.C. Latouros Investments group comprises three aggregates quarries (Latomia Latouros, Latomio Pyrgon, and Elmeni Latomia and one gypsum quarry (Latouros Gypsum). Additionally, the group operates a construction & demolition waste recycling plant and a comprehensive chemical laboratory (Veltia Cyprus). The group’s annual turnover is around €30 million. Given Latouros’s Aggregates Europe – UEPG commitments and with succession planning in mind, the group is governed by an executive committee whose members are Latouros’s daughters, Maria, an Oregon State University industrial engineering graduate with a Master’s in management, and Konstantina, an economist and King’s College, London, alumni, his son-in-law Kyriakos Konstantinou, a Liverpool John Moores University civil engineering graduate with a Master’s in project management, and Christos Zapitis, an Imperial College London mathematics alumni and chartered accountant with vast experience in business development and financials.
When asked what he sees as the association’s biggest achievements during his first Aggregates Europe—UEPG presidential term, he replies: “First of all, I want to emphasise that none of the achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of my colleagues on the board, and of the chairs, vice chairs, and secretaries of our committees, task forces, and working groups. Their dedication and tireless efforts have driven our achievements, and I am immensely grateful for their collaboration and partnership. I also want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the secretariat for their hard work and dedication. Their behind-the-scenes efforts often go unnoticed, but they are essential to the success of our association. A special note of appreciation goes, of course, to our secretary general, Dirk Fincke. His leadership and vision have significantly shaped our path as an association.
“Now, regarding our achievements, the most significant ones include fostering stronger collaboration among our member associations, getting even closer and having even stronger collaboration with the big international NGOs (non-governmental organisations), enhancing our advocacy efforts at the EU level, and promoting sustainable practices within the aggregates industry.
“We successfully launched initiatives to increase the recycling of construction and demolition waste, strengthened our focus on sustainability through various projects and partnerships, and improved our communication strategies, which helped raise awareness of the importance of aggregates in construction and infrastructure development.
“These efforts have laid a solid foundation for our continued progress, and I’m excited to build on them in my second term.”
So, what are the association’s priorities during his second term as president? “Our priorities will align closely with our newly established Business Plan for 2024-2027, titled ‘Sustainable Foundations: Building Europe’s Future through an Essential and Sustainable Aggregates Industry.‘
“First and foremost, we aim to enhance our role as a global leader in sustainable aggregate production by promoting innovation, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility within our industry. Key initiatives include increasing our public relations and communication efforts to highlight the aggregates industry’s essential contributions to economic growth and daily life.
“We will also focus on enhancing membership value and collaboration, aiming to expand our membership base through a new and invigorated membership policy that comprehensively represents all of Europe.
“Another priority is strengthening stakeholder engagement and public perception through comprehensive programs that bring together NGOs, community leaders, and policymakers to discuss industry challenges and opportunities.
“Lastly, we will emphasise our commitment to sustainability by promoting climate resilience, biodiversity, and resource efficiency initiatives, which align with our goals for a circular economy and digital transformation.
“By focusing on these areas, we can effectively address our industry’s challenges and ensure a sustainable future for the aggregates sector in Europe.”
How does Latouros, who was also appointed vice president of GAIN (the Global Aggregates Information Network) during its 7th Annual Conference in Córdoba, Argentina (20-23 October), see the current health of the European aggregates industry? What are its biggest challenges, and where will growth come from? “The European aggregates industry is relatively stable, although it varies across different countries—some are experiencing downturns, others an upturn, while many remain stable.
“As I said earlier, the biggest challenges we face throughout Europe primarily involve permitting procedures, which can be slow and cumbersome. There is a pressing need for fast-tracked and streamlined processes to support timely project delivery. Additionally, accessing local resources has become increasingly difficult, posing another industry challenge.
“While our carbon footprint is relatively low, we are committed to achieving carbon neutrality and have developed a comprehensive roadmap.
“Despite these challenges, growth in the aggregates sector is expected to remain strong. The ongoing need for infrastructure development and construction, particularly concerning the European Green Deal, will drive demand for our products. Moreover, we are seeing significant growth opportunities in recycling, which aligns with our sustainability goals and the circular economy.”
Latouros stresses that sustainability is at the core of his work as Aggregates Europe – UEPG president and integral to the association’s mission. “We recognise that our industry is vital in promoting environmental stewardship, resource efficiency, and social responsibility.
“During my first presidential term, we initiated several projects that underscore our commitment to sustainability. For example, we launched a comprehensive roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality, outlining specific targets and actions to reduce our carbon footprint. This roadmap serves as a guide for our members to adopt more sustainable practices in their operations.
“Additionally, we focused on enhancing recycling initiatives, working collaboratively with stakeholders to promote using recycled aggregates. This contributes to resource efficiency and supports the circular economy by minimising waste and reducing the demand for virgin materials. But here I want to emphasise that, even though recycling can reduce the need for virgin materials, lower environmental impacts, and contribute to a circular economy, it will never be enough, and this is for three main reasons: We build much more than what we demolish. Even if we use the most modern techniques, it will never be possible to regain 100% of the aggregates used to build a certain building. Today, we demolish buildings that were built 50-60 years ago, but what we build today is more durable and will last more than 100 years. Therefore, the available C&D (construction and demolition) waste rate will decrease.
“Our statistics show Europe’s average substitution rate of recycled aggregates is currently 10%. A few countries manage it better, substituting 20-25% of their aggregate needs with recycled aggregates while declaring that they recycle all their C&D waste. This indicates that the ceiling for substituting aggregate needs with recycled aggregates is 20-25%. Even if we achieve these percentages across Europe, we will always need virgin materials for the remaining 75-80% of our aggregate needs.
“Additionally, factors that need to be considered with recycled aggregates are quality, availability, and logistics.
“We also emphasised the importance of biodiversity and environmental protection in our extraction processes, advocating for best practices in restoration and sustainable resource management. Through these efforts, we aim to elevate the aggregates industry’s role as a leader in sustainability and demonstrate our commitment to building a more sustainable future for Europe.”
Production process digitalisation and AI (artificial intelligence) are increasingly prominent in the modern European aggregates sector. What effect does Latouros see them having in the long term? “Digitalisation and AI are poised to significantly transform the European aggregates industry, offering numerous opportunities for increased efficiency, safety, and sustainability.
“In the short term, we are already seeing the adoption of digital tools for operational management, which help streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance productivity. Technologies such as predictive maintenance and automated monitoring systems can improve equipment reliability and minimise downtime, resulting in more efficient operations.
“Digitalisation and AI will have a profound impact in the long term. We anticipate these technologies will enable us to implement advanced resource management techniques, optimise production processes, and enhance decision-making through data analytics. Moreover, AI can facilitate better environmental monitoring, helping us track our progress toward sustainability goals more effectively.
“As we move forward, embracing digitalisation and AI will be critical in fostering innovation and ensuring that the aggregates industry remains competitive in a rapidly evolving market. By leveraging these technologies, we can improve our operational resilience, reduce our environmental footprint, and ultimately contribute to a more sustainable and efficient industry.”
Across Europe, many aggregate industry professionals are retiring or nearing retirement age. Does Latouros think enough is being done to attract the next generation of industry talent? How is the Association supporting efforts in this area of the business?
“Attracting the next generation of talent in the aggregates industry is a critical focus for Aggregates Europe—UEPG. Our business plan for 2024-2027 outlines several initiatives aimed at promoting workforce development and inclusion. We are implementing industry-wide skills enhancement programs focusing on essential areas such as digital literacy, environmental management, and sustainable leadership. These initiatives will help equip young professionals with the necessary skills to thrive in our evolving industry.
“Additionally, we are committed to enhancing diversity and inclusion within the aggregates sector. We aim to create more opportunities for underrepresented groups, particularly women, by promoting inclusive policies, mentorship programs, and networking events. Partnering with educational institutions is also a key strategy, as we seek to introduce students to the aggregates industry through internships, scholarships, and workshops.”
Latouros stresses that by fostering a culture of equality and actively engaging with educational institutions, Aggregates Europe – UEPG can help attract and develop the next generation of talent needed to drive the European aggregates industry forward. “This comprehensive approach will not only help address the impending skills gap but also ensure that the aggregates industry continues to thrive competitively and sustainably,“ he concludes.
I ask Latouros how he sees the European aggregates industry a decade from now. How different will the average quarry work site look? “In a decade, I envision the European aggregates industry as a more sustainable, technologically advanced, and socially responsible sector. The ongoing focus on environmental stewardship and carbon neutrality will significantly change our operations.
“Average quarry work sites will likely be equipped with advanced technologies such as AI and automation to optimise processes, enhance safety, and reduce environmental impact. We can expect to see the widespread use of digital tools for monitoring and managing resources, which will improve efficiency and reduce waste.
“Sustainability will be at the forefront, with quarries implementing more rigorous environmental practices. This includes adopting renewable energy sources, enhanced biodiversity initiatives, and strongly emphasising land rehabilitation and restoration practices.
“Moreover, the workforce will be more diverse and skilled, with ongoing training and development programs ensuring employees can handle new technologies and practices. Integrating social responsibility into our operations will be paramount, with quarries engaging more with local communities and stakeholders.”
Latouros says that the aggregates industry will be pivotal in supporting Europe’s infrastructure needs while demonstrating a commitment to sustainability and innovation. He believes this evolution will enhance “our industry’s reputation and ensure our long-term viability in an ever-changing landscape.”
How will Latouros deem his two terms as Aggregates Europe-UEPG president a success? “It will be a success if we achieve several key objectives.
“Firstly, the successful expansion of our membership base will be a crucial indicator. By implementing our new membership scheme and fostering stronger collaborations, I aim to ensure we comprehensively represent the aggregates industry across Europe.
“Secondly, I will consider our advocacy efforts successful if we have effectively influenced EU policies and regulations to create a more favourable environment for the aggregates sector. This includes streamlining permitting procedures and promoting sustainability initiatives aligning with our carbon neutrality roadmap.
“Furthermore, enhancing the public perception of our industry will be vital. We will have made significant strides if we can effectively communicate aggregates’ essential contributions to society and infrastructure and demonstrate our commitment to sustainability.
“Lastly, cultivating a skilled, diverse workforce prepared for future challenges will be essential. It will mark a significant achievement if we can attract and retain new talent, ensuring that our industry is equipped to adapt and thrive.
“In summary, success will be measured by our ability to grow our membership, influence policies, enhance our industry’s reputation, and develop a capable workforce ready to meet the future demands of the aggregates sector.”
Given his relentless drive and focus, few would bet against Latouros and the talented and diligent Aggregates Europe-UEPG General Secretariat achieving all of the above.
