Webinar I Transatlantic Perspectives on Securing Critical Raw Materials and Components in a Fragmented World

Join EACC and the European Railway Clusters Initiative (ERCI) for an action-oriented webinar examining how value-chain resilience is being addressed in the transportation sector, using the rail industry as a strategic case study.

Value-chain resilience ultimately depends on reliable access to raw materials and critical inputs, supported by a mix of complementary approaches—from diversification and strategic partnerships to circularity, alternative production, stockpiling, and stronger cross-tier transparency and coordination.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical fragmentation, industrial policy shifts, and increasing pressure on global supply chains, the discussion will focus on practical approaches, decision-making frameworks, and lessons learned from both sides of the Atlantic to secure access to critical raw materials and components and to strengthen industrial value chains.

The webinar will provide participants with concrete insights into how industrial, regulatory, and market dynamics are reshaping transatlantic rail and transport supply chains — and what companies can do today to prepare

This program is jointly organized by the Florida Chapter of the European American Chamber of Commerce (EACC Florida) and European Railway Clusters Initiative (ERCI). The technical Host is ERCI Cluster Berlin Partner.

SPEAKERS

• Veronica Elena Bocci, Vice-President – European Railway Clusters Initiative [Moderator]
• Simon Kaye, President & CEO – Jaguar Freight Services
• Edinilson (Ed) Kovaleski – BD / Partnership Consulting – Rail & Transit
• Bernard Piette, Managing Director – Logistics in Wallonia
• Wolfgang Reimer, Managing Director – GKZ, Geokompetenzzentrum Freiberg

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

European Perspective

• Access to critical raw materials and components across strategic industrial sectors
• Value-chain resilience as a core industrial capability, beyond short-term risk mitigation
• How companies and clusters are redesigning supplier ecosystems
• Insights into the EU’s LEADER 2030 project objectives on industrial resilience and strategic autonomy in the rail value chain

U.S. Perspective

• Structural rules shaping supply-chain decisions in the U.S. rail and transport market
• Understanding the U.S. Regulatory Landscape: importance of the Buy American Act and its implications for foreign companies looking to enter the U.S. market
• Navigating Partnerships: strategies for European companies to successfully establish partnerships with American engineering firms for transportation project
• Cultural and Business Idiosyncrasies: the importance of understanding the cultural and business practices in the U.S. for European companies
• Localization trade-offs: how much to localize, where, and at what cost
• Market entry, investment, and scaling strategies for European suppliers, including Florida as a U.S. and regional operational platform

DATE/TIME
February 19, 2026
10.00am – 11.00 am ET I 16.00 – 17.00 CET

REGISTRATION
EACC Florida Members: free
ERCI Members: free
Non-Members: free

REGISTER HERE

SPEAKER BIOS

Veronica Elena Bocci

Veronica is the Coordinator of DITECFER S.c.ar.l., the leading Italian railway cluster for technology, high-speed networks and safety, where she directs strategic planning, project implementation and organisational development. In her role she leads DITECFER’s engagement in European research, innovation and internationalisation initiatives and represents the consortium in high-level forums. She serves as Vice-President of the European Railway Clusters Initiative (ERCI) and participates in

Member of the Expert Group on the competitiveness of the European Rail Supply Industry  at the European Commission and cluster collaboration. Ms Bocci has been recognised at the international level, including as IRJ Women in Rail Award 2024 recipient for her impact on the global railway industry. She regularly speaks at major international events, coordinates many European projects contributing to support of SMEs, advanced technologies and sector skills development.

Simon Kaye

A third-generation transportation professional, CEO Simon Kaye founded Jaguar Freight in 1993 with a clear vision to provide industry-leading customer service and logistics technology. An early innovator, Simon’s leadership has kept Jaguar Freight on the leading edge, and the company continues to offer its prestigious portfolio of clients proprietary Cybertrax technology and an unsurpassed customer experience to this day.

Born and educated in London, Simon moved to New York with his wife and two sons in 2002 to establish the company’s U.S. headquarters, where he still resides today. Eager to maintain a bit of home, he’s remained a lifelong fan (and season ticket holder) of Tottenham Hotspur, “the greatest team the world has ever seen.”

Ed Kovaleski

Ed Kovaleski is a goal-oriented Business Development Executive and Consultant specializing in Smart Mobility and Transportation Technologies. With extensive experience in the Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) industry, Ed has successfully developed business strategies and partnerships across various sectors, including support for regulatory compliance regarding the Buy American Act (BAA). His work with Denso and as an independent consultant for Consultrans/IMATHIA enabled him to navigate complex regulatory environments and foster collaborations between international engineering firms and American companies. Ed also has significant experience in Latin America and Europe, focusing on sales and business development in the transportation sector. He is passionate about connecting European companies with the unique business landscape in the U.S. and helping them thrive through strategic partnerships.

Bernard Piette

Bernard is the Managing Director of Logistics in Wallonia, the Walloon competitiveness cluster dedicated to transport, logistics and mobility, based in Wallonia, Belgium. In this role for almost 19 years, he oversees strategic development, innovation support, internationalisation and networking activities for regional stakeholders. He brings extensive experience from previous positions at ERCI – European Railway Clusters Initiative ASBL, the Netherlands Embassy in Belgium, CCI Liège-Verviers-Namur and  Kamer van Koophandel Zuid-Limburg. Bernard Piette is a Member of the Board of Directors of ERCI, Chairman of the Corps Consulaire de la Province de Liège, and serves as Honorary Consul General of the Netherlands for the provinces of Liège, Namur and Luxembourg, appointed by the Netherlands Embassy in Belgium.

Dr. Wolfgang Reimer

Dr. Reimer is the Managing Director of Geokompetenzzentrum Freiberg e.V. (GKZ), a German non-profit network focused on innovation, research and collaboration in the field of mineral raw materials and related value-chain activities. He leads GKZ’s strategic engagement in international R&D projects, capacity-building and stakeholder networking across industry, research and public administration. Dr. Reimer has represented GKZ in European initiatives and platforms such as the European Technology Platform on Sustainable Mineral Resources (ETP SMR) and has been a speaker and moderator at numerous conferences and events on raw materials, recycling and circular economy. He has also contributed to scientific publications and research collaborations, including work on exploration and processing methodologies for critical raw materials.

About ERCI

ERCI comprises 18 research and innovation-oriented railway technology clusters, covering 17 countries. ERCI represents over 3.600 enterprises and research institutes including over 2,300 SMEs and aims to promote innovation and the development of new business opportunities as a means to sustainably strengthen competitiveness within the European railway industry. ERCI promotes cooperation between industry and research, initiates innovation projects, organises B2B meetings and workshops. This also includes promoting visibility and networking at EU level. ERCI is a Member of EACC Florida.

About EACC Florida

European American Chamber of Commerce Florida is a member-driven, non-profit business association part of a long-established transatlantic EACC network connecting executives and companies operating between Europe and the United States. Based in Miami, EACC Florida serves as a neutral platform for dialogue, education, and business connections, supporting companies active in the transatlantic corridor.

Focused on Florida’s unique role as a crossroads between Europe, North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean, EACC Florida provides access to high-level executives, timely business insights, and practical resources through invitation-only events, industry roundtables, task forces, and educational programs. The chamber fosters meaningful, fact-based exchanges on trade, investment, regulation, and strategic business issues affecting transatlantic operations.

Through its local presence and international reach—including its designation as an International Partner of the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN)—EACC Florida helps companies expand, connect, and position themselves within the broader transatlantic business ecosystem.

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