On 25 March 2026, the “Korea-EU Seminar on F-gas Reduction and Management Measures” took place in Seoul, organised by the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Korea within the framework of the EU–Korea Green Partnership. The event provided a high-level platform for discussion on the reduction and management of fluorinated gases, bringing together European and Korean institutions, technical experts, and industry representatives.
Among the international speakers, Marco Buoni – CEO of Centro Studi Galileo, Secretary General of ATF, and Past President of AREA with responsibility for International Affairs – contributed remotely, despite the significant time difference. His participation was highly appreciated by both organisers and attendees, confirming the key role of Centro Studi Galileo and European associations in promoting technical competence and regulatory awareness in the field of F-gases.
The seminar opened with institutional remarks from Ugo Astuto, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Korea, and Wang-jin Seo, Member of the Korean National Assembly, who highlighted the shared commitment to climate action and energy transition. Representatives from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA) and the Korean Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment (MCEE) then presented their respective policy frameworks and strategies for achieving climate neutrality.
With over 100 participants, the seminar addressed the application of F-gases in the HVAC-R and semiconductor sectors, focusing in particular on workforce training, technical certification, and technological solutions for emissions reduction. In this context, Marco Buoni’s contribution emphasised the European model of professional qualification and the crucial role of technical training in ensuring the safe and efficient use of alternative refrigerants.
The discussions also explored the challenges related to regulatory adaptation and industrial specificities, especially in the semiconductor sector, underlining the need to balance environmental sustainability with industrial competitiveness. A strong willingness emerged to further strengthen EU–Korea cooperation, with follow-up initiatives already under consideration for autumn 2026.
The seminar forms part of the broader EU–Korea Green Partnership Programme, aimed at fostering policy dialogue, technical exchange, and skills development to support a just and sustainable energy transition. In this framework, the contribution of European experts such as Eng. Marco Buoni highlights the importance of coordinated and shared approaches to addressing global challenges related to F-gas management and the achievement of the Paris Agreement targets.