EUROGUSS Executive Circle 2026: From Regional Strength to Global Relevance

When leaders from across the European die casting industry gather at the Château de Guermantes near Paris in early July, the focus will be less on day-to-day business and more on a fundamental question: how can Europe’s die casting industry position itself in an increasingly geopolitical market environment? This is reflected in the programme of this year’s EUROGUSS Executive Circle, which brings together perspectives from across the European die casting value chain through keynote presentations, panel discussions and interactive dialogue formats.

Written by Editors EUROGUSS 365

Château de Guermantes in Paris with reflection in water

The guiding theme, “From Regional Excellence to Global Relevance”, runs throughout the programme. At its core is the question of how European technological expertise, industrial specialisation and established value chains can be transferred into new markets and business opportunities. The underlying assumption is that Europe continues to possess considerable industrial expertise but must redefine its role within the international market environment.

Portrait of Marcel Fratzscher — Prof. Dr. Marcel Fratzscher, President of DIW Berlin, will kick off the EUROGUSS Executive Circle 2026 in Paris with his keynote.

Keynote: “How Can Europe Regain Competitiveness?”

“The economic transformations taking place across Europe present companies with enormous challenges,” says Prof. Dr. Marcel Fratzscher, President of DIW Berlin, who will open the event in Paris with his keynote address. “They are not only a threat but also a major opportunity to become global leaders in key technological fields and to develop new strengths. Policymakers and businesses alike must act faster and more boldly to seize this opportunity.”

In his presentation, Fratzscher will examine the impact of inflation, the energy transition, geopolitical tensions and industrial policy on Europe’s competitiveness. He will also address the changing global framework conditions: “Around the world, and particularly in China and the United States, we are seeing increasingly strong government intervention in market economies and competition,” says Fratzscher.

“This is highly problematic, especially for German and European companies that have historically benefited from open access and fair global rules.” Europe’s response, he argues, should not be protectionism or confrontation, but rather ensuring that escalation is avoided and fair conditions are maintained.

Panel Discussion with Representatives from Industry and Academia

The discussion then turns specifically to the die casting and aluminium foundry industry. In a panel discussion, Dirk Seckler, Co-CEO of Handtmann Light Metal Casting, Mike Meyer, President of the North American Die Casting Association, and Prof. Dr. Min Chen, Global Business Strategist and former executive at multinational corporations, will join Fratzscher to discuss the role Europe may play in the global HPDC market in the years ahead – and whether it risks losing relevance. The discussion will be moderated by Burkhard Riering, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Automobilwoche.

“New technologies always bring the possibility of market shifts,” says Riering. “We can see this in the transition from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, where entirely new players have emerged.”

“Suppliers continue to have opportunities beyond their traditional role as component manufacturers,” Riering continues. “The focus is shifting from pure powertrain and component development towards integrated software and ecosystem solutions. Artificial intelligence is now adding an entirely new dimension.” While he sees the foundry industry as a growth market, he also points to increasing international pressure. “Demand exists for new materials, lightweight construction and complex cast components for electric drivetrains, engines and transmission systems. At the same time, global competition and pricing pressure may intensify further, potentially leading to additional capacity shifts towards Asia.”

Portrait of Burkhard Riering — Burkhard Riering, Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Automobilwoche, will chair the panel discussion on Europe in the global HPDC game.

Executive Dialogues: Personal Exchange Instead of One-Way Presentations

The Executive Dialogues focus on specific future-oriented topics. In smaller discussion groups, participants will exchange views on OEM perspectives, growth opportunities beyond traditional automotive applications, and the impact of AI and robotics on industrial value creation. The sessions will also address why transformation initiatives often fail not because of technology, but because of leadership, organisational structures and decision-making processes.

This combination of economic analysis and personal exchange distinguishes the Executive Circle from conventional conference formats. Less stage time, more dialogue for C-level executives – creating a setting in which networking and the exchange of experience take centre stage.

Registration Open for the EUROGUSS Executive Circle, 1–2 July 2026 in Paris

The next EUROGUSS Executive Circle will take place on 1 and 2 July 2026 at the Château de Guermantes near Paris. The event is exclusively aimed at C-level decision-makers from across the European die casting value chain. Further information about the programme and participation is available on the Executive Circle website: https://www.euroguss.de/en/events-programme/executive-circle

Author

Editors EUROGUSS 365

euroguss365@nuernbergmesse.de