The Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association (ZAS) is marking two exceptional milestones. At the General Assembly of the European Asphalt Pavement Association (EAPA) in Berlin on 15 April 2026, the largest and most influential organization in the European asphalt industry, long‑standing President of ZAS MSc Slovenko Henigman was elected as the new President of EAPA. Just two days later, on 17 April 2026, ZAS entered the fourth decade of its operation. The ceremonial event marking the Association’s 30th anniversary will take place on 12 May at the Kazina Hall in Ljubljana.
MSc Slovenko Henigman is internationally recognized as one of the key experts in the sector. He has been actively involved in EAPA for several decades, among other roles serving as a member of the Executive Committee and as Vice President. His election to the highest office within EAPA represents an exceptional recognition and a strong vote of confidence by the European professional community in the Slovenian Asphalt Pavement Association. With Henigman’s support and commitment, ZAS joined EAPA back in 1997, just one year after its establishment. As a result, the voice of the Slovenian asphalt industry will be even more strongly represented at the European level in the coming years.
“I am honoured to have been entrusted with the position of President of EAPA. I understand this as recognition of Slovenian expertise, which over the past three decades has demonstrated its quality, innovation, and reliability. In my new role, I will place particular emphasis on collaboration, open cooperation, and the timely identification of current issues that we as an industry need to address,” Henigman emphasized upon his election.
He added that his mandate will pursue a clear objective: to ensure modern, sustainable, and safe (road) infrastructure for current and future generations.
“I will strengthen road development, inspire young talents, and accelerate technological advancement – key factors for the future of the asphalt industry. Roads are our first social network and the foundation of economic development. Asphalt represents the future of sustainable mobility, as it is not merely a black rock – today, asphalt mixes are already 95% recyclable.”
Which three development pillars will Henigman place at the forefront of EAPA?
1. Strengthening the development and maintenance of road infrastructure
Henigman emphasizes that 90% of all passenger transport and more than 70% of freight transport in Europe and Slovenia takes place on roads, making their high‑quality management essential for the economy, mobility, and connectivity. Timely and regular pavement maintenance not only improves safety but also reduces fuel consumption, extends the service life of asphalt surfaces, and lowers the carbon footprint – fully aligned with EU environmental objectives.
2. Encouraging young people to pursue careers in the asphalt industry
The sector is facing a shortage of skilled labour. One of the key goals of Henigman’s efforts will therefore be to motivate young talent, strengthen cooperation between educational institutions and companies, and enhance the visibility of the profession as a modern, technologically advanced, and long‑term career opportunity.
3. Digitalization, automation, and strengthening sustainability in the asphalt industry
Digital advancement will remain one of the leading European trends shaping the industry. As EAPA President, and in alignment with international development pathways already identified by EAPA, Henigman will support projects related to:
- the use of data for smart management of road infrastructure,
- automation of production, paving, and quality control processes,
- maximizing the integration of the circular economy and achieving carbon neutrality,
- improved design and construction of pavements to achieve the highest possible durability and quality.
Assembly in Berlin at which a new president was elected
From left: Ralf Pomp, Mats Wendel, Asphalt ambasador 2026 and Slovenko Henigman
From left: Ralf Pomp, the former president and Slovenko Henigman, the newly elected president
