EUREL

EUREL, the Convention of National Associations of Electrical Engineers of Europe, is a nonprofit organization headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, composed of 12 national members associations in 11 countries in greater Europe.

EUREL was founded in Switzerland in 1972 as the Convention of National Societies of Electrical Engineers of Western Europe before it started its expansion to central Europe.

Its objectives are to facilitate the exchange of information and to foster a wider dissemination of scientific, technical and related knowledge relevant to electrical engineering as well as standardization in the field of electrical engineering. In this way EUREL contributes to the advancement of scientific and technical knowledge for the benefit of the profession and the public it serves.

EUREL also addresses the issues resulting from the current shortage of information and communications technology engineers (which is expected to reach an alarming level within the next years) by engaging with students and young professionals.

The secretary general's office, in Brussels, helps EUREL members position their expertise and connection to the European institutions. It also creates a bridge in between its members' associations who can exchange information about best practices and be inspired by their peers.

Governance (2022-2023)
General secretariat: Fabienne Dezutter

History and founding members
The founding meeting of EUREL as the Convention of National Societies of Electrical Engineers in Europe took place on 24 November 1972 in Zurich. The representatives of 18 national electrotechnical societies from 15 countries of Western Europe met in the historic Zunfthaus zur Zimmerleuten. Fifteen of these societies joined to the convention during the meeting (see below). The aim with EUREL was to create an organisation that brings people together. Until then, more bilateral contacts should result to pan-European cooperation. Foundation Members:

Young Engineers Panel
The Young Engineers Panel (YEP) is a EUREL working group composed of young representatives from our member associations. It represents the interests of students and young professionals in Europe. Their task is to liaise with each EUREL member association and support them in building up their students and young professional networks through European activities.

EUREL is committed to help young professionals and future engineers develop their skills and create a network that will help them in their career. It is essential to tackle the shortage of engineers, and this mission brings together all members. To achieve this mission a EUREL Young Engineers Panel was set up and is active in maintaining a network of young professional engineers and students.

Mission

 * Coordinate the activities of students and young professionals in EUREL;
 * Support the improvement of a multinational network for EUREL stakeholders;
 * Gather and exchange scientific, technical and other relevant information among students and young professionals working in the field of electrical engineering or related fields.

Events

 * EUREL Young Engineer Seminar (YES)
 * EUREL International Management Cup (IMC)
 * EUREL Field Trip

Programs
EUREL programs include project groups, professional events and specialized industry taskforces, as well as representation with the European Union. Some notable examples include:
 * Photonic Electronic Integration
 * Hidden Electronics
 * Technological Sovereignty
 * Electrical Power Vision 2040 For Europe
 * Electrical Power Vision 2040 For EuropePart 2

Objectives
Europe and the entire world are facing significant energy, climate and security policy challenges. Electrical, electronic and information technology engineers can and must make an important contribution to stability in Europe with their know-how. EUREL is also challenged to advance technological solutions for the benefit of the people and to support democratically elected politicians – all across Europe.

EUREL establishes the framework for stability in Europe. The first is to connect electrical, electronic and information technology engineers from young to old across Europe and beyond. The organisation facilitates an inspiring exchange and contributes specifically to sharing important approaches to solutions. Furthermore, EUREL provides know how and knowledge. The focus is especially on politics and authorities in Brussels. The expertise of the EUREL network can also be used in the member countries. EUREL wants to contribute to ensuring that political decisions are based on the latest facts and findings and that important technological topics receive the appropriate attention in politics and society.

Challenges
A technologically united Europe is an absolute necessity. Only together Europe can master key issues such as:
 * Technological sovereignty: From microchips to e-mobility to AI. Europe is facing extremely fierce competition. Beijing, for example, set their goal of technological world leadership years ago.
 * Climate protection: We need more innovations for this common task. Europe's diversity – see the special expertise in hydropower in Northern Europe, solar technology on the Mediterranean and hydrogen in the heart of the continent – holds enormous potential.
 * Resilience: More urgently than ever, Europe needs to strengthen its resilience, especially in the CRITIS sectors. Functioning power and communication networks, sufficient energy and secure supply chains must be ensured.
 * Cyber security: Parliaments, public authorities and businesses are increasingly under attack. Cross-border alerts, common security strategies and shared security awareness in projects such as GAIA-X need to be organised.
 * Trusted identity: Bots – whose photos, videos and conversations are deceptively real – are increasingly being used for manipulation. This creates a massive danger for democratic decision-making. Authentic pseudonyms, which are being established throughout Europe, offer a way out.
 * Shortage of specialised personnel: There is a shortage of electrical, electronic and information technology engineers all over Europe. Professional associations, universities and education policy must finally find answers in cooperation instead of thinking in terms of national borders.

Member associations
EUREL has always accepted only national electrical engineering organizations as its members, and has kept its supraorganization structure. Members of EUREL take part in the organization's international programs, enjoy the services of the office of EUREL's secretary general, and may take advantage of reciprocal benefits with other participating associations (e.g. events, discounts, and the use of libraries and conference rooms).

The EUREL member network comprises the following national associations: