FIEC presents views on EPBD at EAE-ETICS Forum
Around 270 people from 24 countries attended the annual forum of the European Association for External Thermal Insulation Composite systems last week, in Warsaw. The programme included speakers from China and Japan and the subjects included the circular economy, fire safety and dangerous substances. Sue Arundale, FIEC’s Director of Technical and Environmental Affairs presented the federation’s views on the proposal to revise the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive and the subsequent amendments tabled by MEPs. The vote on the European Parliament report will take place this week.
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European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships
The European Commission has proposed a European Framework for Quality and Effective Apprenticeships, with 14 key criteria, for learning and working conditions and for framework conditions, that EU countries and stakeholders should use to develop quality and effective apprenticeships.
It aims to increase the employability and personal development of apprentices and to contribute to the development of a highly skilled and qualified workforce, responsive to labour market needs.
The Council of Ministers will now discuss the proposal and seek agreement on a final text, which will then be implemented by EU Member States.
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Juncker Plan set to trigger €236.1 billion across the EU
The Investment Plan for Europe – or “Juncker Plan” – is now expected to trigger €236.1 billion in investment. Following the September meeting of the EIB Board of Directors, operations approved under the European Fund for Strategic Investments (EFSI) now amount to €46.5 billion. They are located in all 28 Member States.
The EIB has approved 312 EFSI-backed operations, supported by €36.1 billion in EFSI financing.
The European Investment Fund (EIF) has also approved 306 SME financing agreements, with total financing under the EFSI of €10.4 billion. Around 454,000 small and medium-sized businesses are expected to benefit from improved access to finance as a result of these EIF agreements.
The European Commission and the EIB estimate that the EFSI has so far supported 300,000 jobs across the EU. By 2020 that figure should be 700,000.
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