FIEC explains building costs drivers at European Parliament hearing on Housing
On 20 May, the Chair of FIEC Working Group “Housing”, Joël Schons, intervened in a public hearing organised by the Special Committee on Housing (HOUS) of the European Parliament on the “EU construction sector dynamics: Sustainability, innovation and challenges for the future of Housing”.
During this hearing, Schons pointed out some of the many building costs drivers that prevent the supply of more affordable housing units and provided concrete examples of digitalisation and innovation, which help increasing the productivity of the construction industry.
Indeed, the housing crisis is also a supply crisis: We do not build enough!
Schons insisted that the Building Information Model (BIM) should be used and recognised at all levels (including by relevant administrations), and that permitting procedures should be streamlined via digital building permits.
| FIEC POSITION |
FIEC at “High-Level Stakeholders Dialogue” with EU Commissioner Jørgensen
On 20 May, FIEC participated in the “High-Level Stakeholders Dialogue” organised by EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen (responsible for the Energy & Housing portfolio).
Commissioner Jørgensen reminded that energy efficiency is no longer just about climate, but about security, affordability, and competitiveness of EU businesses and economy.
The construction sector is key to unlocking these benefits, but we need accurate and timely planning of security and national-level support to scale up. As underlined by the Commissioner: “The savings from energy efficiency materialise fast, and they matter for our people and our industry.” However, high upfront costs of investment remain a key concern. And addressing them by means of innovative financing models must remain high on the EU agenda.
Swedish delegation visits FIEC
On 20 May, the FIEC secretariat had the pleasure to host a delegation from its Swedish Member Federation, Byggföretagen.
This visit was a good opportunity to exchange views about the European Commission Work Programme and share our priorities.
The discussions focused also on the issue of subcontracting in the construction industry, as well as the forthcoming European Affordable Housing Plan and the related Housing Construction Strategy – two issues which are of high relevance for most FIEC Member Federations.
“Pact for Skills”:
Over 6.1 million workers trained since 2022
According to the 2024 Pact for Skills Annual Survey, 6.1 million people have received training under the Pact for Skills since its launch in 2022. Over 3.200 organisations have joined the Pact for Skills. In 2024, 650.5 million euros were invested in upskilling and reskilling by the Pact members, and 47.800 training courses were updated and developed. The survey also identifies the skills needed. Technical skills, followed by advanced digital skills, were considered to be the most pressing needs for skills.
With its 58 members, the “large-scale partnership for construction”, coordinated by FIEC together with the European Federation of Builders and Wood Workers (EFBWW) and the European Builders Confederation (EBC), is committed to continue providing support to upskilling and reskilling activities for construction workers.
Join the Pact at this link.
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MOBICCON-PRO project held its General Assembly
On 20 May 2025, the partners of the EU-funded project MOBICCON-PRO met for the “Progress Meeting and General Assembly“, bringing together all project partners to assess technical achievements and plan future steps.
The meeting included detailed updates on the development of the territorial cluster centre in Sofia, advances in selective demolition practices, the prototyping of the mobile Construction Demolition Waste (CDW) treatment plant, and the creation of innovative construction products.
The discussions confirmed the strong collaboration among partners and reaffirmed their shared commitment to delivering circular solutions for the construction community. FIEC continues to contribute actively, supporting the sector’s transition towards a more resource-efficient future.
| MOBICCON-PRO |
3-5 June – “Green Week” Conference: Circular Solutions for a Competitive EU
Next week, from 3 to 5 June, the 2025 edition of the EU Green Week will take place with a focus on the circular economy. With its potential to drive sustainable competitiveness, reduce waste, and promote innovation, the circular economy offers a compelling solution to some of the EU’s most pressing challenges. The conference, hosted by the European Commission, will be complemented by partner events to take the conversation on circularity to local and regional levels and to engage businesses and communities across Europe.
FIEC will seize this opportunity to exchange with important stakeholders on topics where built environment practices touch upon circularity to drive forward the sustainable transition. “We build the – green – change together”: The ambitious net-zero target can only be achieved when the construction sector players (manufacturers, designers, contractors, and the institutions) works together and dialogue among each other, particularly with the European and national regulators. The construction industry is committed to playing its part in this transformation and to discussing ways to be supportive.
The EU Green Week is a European Commission initiative to build support for environmental policies, to enhance their implementation, and to create a community of involved stakeholders. This year marks the 25th edition of the event.
The conference will be fully web-streamed via the EU Green Week website. Click in the below tab to check out the programme of events and side events planned both in Brussels and the EU.
| GREEN WEEK |