Since 1987, Aggregates Europe - UEPG has promoted the interests of the European aggregates industry by representing its National Member Associations on economic, technical, environmental and health & safety policy. Aggregates Europe - UEPG pro-actively identifies EU initiatives and policies that are likely to impact on European aggregates producers. It provides Members with brief and concise information through regular publications and ad-hoc updates, and ensures AE-UEPG positions are considered by EU decision-makers. AE-UEPG positively promotes the profile of the European aggregates industry. The European Aggregates Industry is by far the largest amongst the non-energy extractive industries. Aggregates demand is just on 5 tonnes per capita per year and the European demand is 2,7 billion tonnes per year. The aggregates industry comprises 15,000 companies (mostly SMEs) producing in 26,000 sites across Europe with just over 220,000 people employed (including contractors). Aggregates are sand, gravel (including marine aggregates), crushed rock, recycled and manufactured aggregates. The aggregate sector is a local industry delivering essential materials for society.