Connecting European Chambers – 10th Edition: Two Days of Dialogue, Collaboration, and European Project Development
The Chamber had the pleasure of taking part in the 10th edition of Connecting European Chambers, hosted by EUROCHAMBRES in Brussels. The event brought together representatives from national and regional chambers across Europe to exchange ideas, share experiences, and align around a common goal: strengthening cooperation through EU projects that address shared challenges.
Over the course of the two days, the agenda offered a dynamic mix of keynote talks, workshops, and interactive sessions. Much of the discussion focused on how chambers can actively support SMEs in navigating the twin transition — digital and green — through practical, EU-funded initiatives.
Participants explored new funding opportunities under current EU programmes and engaged in detailed conversations on how to form strong consortia, identify common priorities, and manage transnational projects, from proposal writing to reporting and implementation.
The Chamber is grateful to EUROCHAMBRES and the entire organizing team for the excellent coordination and warm hospitality.
Ordinary General Assembly 2025 held
On 26 June, the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg held its Ordinary General Assembly at the Chamber’s headquarters (Avenue des Arts 1-2, 1210 Brussels). The event gathered a large number of members and was attended by the honorary vice-president of the Chamber, the Economic and Commercial Counsellor, María Ortiz.
The event began with a brief speech by the President, Pablo López-Álvarez, to welcome and thank all the members present and to explain the absence of an ambassador at the Assembly, given the transition period before the establishment of the new Ambassador Rodríguez-Coso. He then thanked the Chamber for all the work done throughout the year, highlighting its work during the recent office move, during which he affirms that there has been no detriment to the activity of the members.
Subsequently, and following the Agenda, the Secretary General reported on the activities carried out by the Chamber during the last financial year, which are included in the Chamber’s Annual Report for the year 2024. During the review, she highlighted the positive trend in the increase of members with four new benefactor members and seven sponsors.
Then, the report on the accounting situation of the Chamber as at 31 December 2024 was presented. The Vice-President for Belgium, Abelardo García, took the floor on behalf of the Treasurer and made a detailed analysis of the balance sheet and the profit and loss account for the financial year 2024. In general terms, he described the result of the financial year as ‘very satisfactory’, despite a 10% drop in the Chamber’s income, explained by the ‘complex’ election year 2024, which complicated the organisation of events. ‘The fact that we closed with a surplus of 200,000 euros is proof of a very resilient year, taking into account its complexity,’ explained the vice-president.
The General Assembly approved the annual accounts for the financial year 2024, by unanimous vote of those present and represented.
Renewal of Board Members
The Secretary General announced the names of the members who will complete their term of office, as well as the candidatures received, which, in accordance with the provisions of the statutes, are standing for re-election.
This year, due to the limited number of candidacies (7 candidacies for 7 seats), all candidates are elected to serve as members of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for the next 3 years by popular acclamation.
The new members of the Board of Directors, as well as those revalidating their seats, are:
- Joseba Arriortua, Partner in a personal capacity (Vice-President)
- Eva Chamizo, Iberdrola (Member)
- Susana Garayoa, Zabala Innovation (Member)
- Marie Manzah, Air Europa (Member)
- Ángel Rebollo, ARPA EU Affairs & Communication (Member)
- Javier Segura, Meliá Hotels International (Member)
- Laura Vilches, LaLiga (Member)
The President stressed, at the end of the Assembly, his thanks to the outgoing Ambassador Alberto Antón, as well as to Ambassador Rodríguez-Coso, outgoing in Luxembourg but incoming in Belgium. He also thanked the whole of the Chamber’s Board of Directors for their work, which ‘rows in the same direction’.
W4TEX Transnational Project Meeting in Brussels: A Fruitful Exchange on WP3, WP4 & WP5
On June 24th, 2025, the W4TEX consortium held a Transnational Project Meeting at the premises of the Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg, located at Avenue des Arts 1-2, Brussels. This in-person gathering was an important opportunity for collaboration, discussion, and alignment across the project’s key technical components.
The meeting brought together all project partners:
- The Swedish School of Textiles – Sweden
- KAINOTOMIA – Greece
- MarkEUtSkills – Spain
- Lottozero – Italy
- CIVITTA – Ukraine
- Official Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Belgium and Luxembourg – Belgium
The day was dedicated to in-depth discussions around Work Packages 3, 4, and 5, focusing on technical progress, cross-border coordination, and key upcoming milestones. Topics covered included innovation in textile processes, knowledge transfer strategies, and collaborative mechanisms for achieving the project’s sustainability and skills development goals.
This in-person exchange allowed partners to share updates, align strategies, and reinforce the synergies needed to advance the project efficiently. The meeting was marked by constructive dialogue, mutual support, and a shared commitment to the project’s long-term impact.
We sincerely thank all participants for their valuable contributions and look forward to the continued success of the W4TEX project.
For more information, please visit: www.w4tex-project.eu and contact w4tex@e-camara.com
With the support and recognition of
