Joachim Gr¸ter, the President of the German Natural Stone Association (DNV), has been elected as the new President of Euroroc, the European federation for the natural stone industry which Stone Federation Great Britain pulled out of last year. He takes over from the Spaniard JosÈ Marin.

In his inaugural address, Gr¸ter said Euroroc would have to strengthen its position with the European Commission. He looked forward to Euroroc being able to encompass the stone industries of the new members of the European Union following its enlargement.

There were, however, some points to watch, especially regarding production standards and training qualifications.

He said he would lobby the European Commission to provide subsidies to the stone industries of East European countries.