Recent years have contained their fair share of challenges, but there is much to look forward to in 2023. The EU policy agenda is full, and Intergraf's EU affairs team is preparing for a 93rd year of activities to promote and defend our essential sector.

For Intergraf, 2022 began with a focus on skills, as we crossed the 't's and dotted the 'i's on our Print Your Future project, which came to a close in January. The European Commission must have been listening, because 2023 will be the European Year of Skills. Recruitment and skills remain important topics in our sector's social dialogue. Likewise, for our member associations and companies across Europe.

For the most part, disruption caused by COVID-19 is in our rear-view mirror. Although the deep societal changes the pandemic inspired will reverberate long into the future. Last year, the paper crisis, rising energy costs, and Russia's invasion of Ukraine became (and remain) more pressing topics. Intergraf and our members have worked to defend print in the face of these new crises, appearing in national and international media (such as BBC News, the Financial Times, and Reuters). We have reached a wider audience than ever with our important messages.

At European level, the environment remains a very important topic for Intergraf, as it is all over the world. COP27 did not produce the results hoped for by many. Nevertheless, progress on climate-related issues continues. For example, in its Deforestation Regulation, the European Commission included printed products in the scope - a huge success for Intergraf because it will restore a level playing field for European printers, as well as protecting forests all over the world.

2023 will also see Intergraf's work on carbon footprint expand. We help printers prove their environmental credentials with the Intergraf recommendations on CO2 emissions calculation and roadmap for CO2 reduction and compensation (read more). Partnerships with the print value chain on these topics will be strengthened in 2023.

Now that in-person events and meetings are taking place again, we have had the pleasure of seeing many Intergraf members and connections in 2022. Our Print Matters for the Future conference and General Assembly (in Stockholm) took place in-person for the first time in two years. Later, Directors met in Vienna for our annual Directors Conference. And the Intergraf Currency+Identity event for the security printing industry was a great success in Lyon, after having previously taken place online.

In very good news, Intergraf welcomed two new members in 2022! Iceland and Romania. Our associate membership has also grown to include 11 companies.

We wish you and your families health and happiness and look forward to seeing you again soon.

From the whole Intergraf team: Happy New Year!

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