FIEC Steering Committee meets in Udine (IT)
On 1 April, the Steering Committee of FIEC met in the offices of Confindustria Udine, in Italy. One of the main issues on the agenda was the impact of the war in the Middle East on the construction industry.
The increases in the costs of energy (fuel) and of materials (steel, cement, bitumen/asphalt, pipes, insultation, coatings, etc.) is a major concern for the sector and a survey has been launched, in order to identify possible emergency measures.
The Steering Committee also visited a worksite in the port of Trieste, where the company ICOP is using 2 robot-platforms for complex maintenance operations of one of the piers. This innovative technology can perform complex tasks autonomously thanks to intelligent hydraulic arms, high-resolution cameras, advanced sensors and a sophisticated artificial intelligence system, and is capable of handling everything from high-pressure cleaning and waterproofing to hydro-scouring and structural restoration of concrete.
The platforms incorporate a self-learning AI system capable of mapping surfaces in detail, detecting anomalies, and autonomously planning and managing interventions. Thanks to hydraulic arms controlled by underwater encoders, the robots adapt their movements in real time to the shape of the structures.
Innovation, digitalisation and robotisation are already a reality.
Expert Workshop on Land Policies and Affordable Housing
On 27 March, the German Economic Institute (IW) and the Housing Task Force of the European Commission held a joint workshop in Brussels, bringing together experts from across Europe to discuss how land policy instruments can help address the growing challenge of housing affordability. Discussions focused on identifying promising tools, sharing practical experiences, and drawing lessons from cities facing housing pressure.
A keynote by Dr Christian Oberst (IW Senior Economist for Real Estate Markets and Regional Economics) highlighted the importance of effective land policy design, stressing the need for coordinated planning and targeted instruments to increase housing supply in high-pressure areas.
Practical perspectives complemented the discussion, including an example from the municipality of Heusden-Zolder in the Flemish Region. The case demonstrated how local land policy approaches can support more affordable housing through tailored, place-based solutions.
FIEC stands ready to continue working with the European Commission, Member States, cities, financial institutions, and relevant stakeholders to ensure that we restore real housing affordability. The workshop underscored the importance of combining economic insight with practical experience to address Europe’s ongoing housing challenges.
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Save the Date: 22 April, Kyiv
Recovery Construction Forum Ukraine 3.0
FIEC supports the forthcoming event that will serve as a platform for dialogue on current industry challenges and the prospects for Ukraine’s future reconstruction.
The event will bring together leading experts, government officials, and international organisations, inspiring discussions, and the opportunity to become part of future changes.
Forum topics include:
- State policy and reconstruction funding 2026
- New building codes and technical regulations
- Community projects and investment opportunities
- Business – Community – Investor partnerships
- Digitalisation, energy efficiency, and construction technologies
- Housing and critical social infrastructure
Don’t miss the chance to contribute to shaping new approaches for the reconstruction of Ukraine.
Join the forum! Registration and event programme at this link.
Organiser: FIEC’s member, the Confederation of Builders of Ukraine (CBU) in cooperation with International Exhibition Operator Premier Expo.
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5th edition of Eurobridge
The 5th edition of EUROBRIDGE “Infrastructure for Mobility” is going to take place on 10 April in Brussels.
Europe’s bridges, roads and tunnels are aging: the most part was built over 50 years ago and are now facing increasing traffic loads, climate impacts and growing maintenance needs. Delaying maintenance not only increases safety risks, but also multiplies costs and carbon emissions. Today, infrastructure maintenance has become a strategic priority for Europe, as clearly stated in the revised TEN-T Regulation.
The conference will bring together policymakers, infrastructure operators, engineers, researchers and companies to address this common challenge and share practical solutions for the future of European infrastructure.
Join us and help shape a safer, more resilient and sustainable European infrastructure.
Highlights of this year’s edition:
- A high-level political roundtable on EU transport priorities;
- Innovative infrastructure maintenance models and AI-based tools;
- A presentation on the Messina Bridge project;
- A session on engineering education and new skills;
- Concrete case studies on carbon impact and sustainability.
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29 April: First Industrial Dialogue for Robotics in Construction
Robotisation, industrial automation and digital technologies offer significant potential to improve efficiency and transform construction processes. The current stagnant productivity growth and persistent labour shortages are hindering the sector’s ability to efficiently meet the growing housing demand, with an estimated need for more than two million new homes in EU annually to keep pace.
In this context and ahead of the High Level Construction Forum, the European Commission (DG GROW) is launching the first Industrial Dialogue on Robotics in Construction, at its premises in Brussels. The event of 29 April will bring together stakeholders from across the construction and robotics technology value chains.
The purpose of this dialogue is to identify barriers for further development and deployment of the technologies, and to explore practical solutions towards increased uptake of robotics by the construction sector.
The agenda will be made available on the registration page soon.
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EXCEL4HOUSING 4.0: Call for Innovators is open
The EXCEL4HOUSING 4.0 Open Innovation Programme is now accepting applications from start-ups and SMEs working in construction, housing, and related sectors. If you have developed an innovative solution and are ready to take it beyond your local market, this programme offers a concrete pathway to European scale.
Designed to bridge the gap between innovators and organisations actively looking for solutions, EXCEL4HOUSING 4.0 connects selected companies with a broad network of industry players, public authorities, research bodies, and training providers across Europe. The goal is simple: accelerate the visibility and uptake of solutions that can make a real difference in the built environment.
Applications must fall under one of three strategic thematic areas: digitalisation in construction, circular economy and resource efficiency, or energy efficiency and net-zero housing — three pillars at the heart of Europe’s construction transformation agenda.
Up to 30 companies will be selected to join the programme. Participants will present their solutions at a European pitch event in October 2026, competing for a €7,500 excellence award before an expert jury.
The programme is open to start-ups and SMEs legally established in an EU Member State, an Erasmus+ associated country (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, North Macedonia, Serbia, or Türkiye), or Ukraine.
The application deadline is 29 May 2026 at 17:00 Brussels time. Don’t miss the opportunity to put your innovation on the European map.
Read full Call, click here:
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