FIEC Newsletter – 07 Απριλίου 2020

In response to the Covid-19 crisis, some Horizon 2020 calls have been extended and revised deadlines can be found on the Funding and Tenders Portal.  Worried researchers can also consult updated Frequently Asked Questions about the impact that the crisis is having on ongoing projects. These include questions about invoking the “force majeure” clause and what can be done if reporting deadlines cannot be met. The portal can be accessed on the link below.  Although the website indicates that it is under construction, the information appears to be up to date.

On 7th April FIEC President Elect Thomas Bauer and Vice-President Piero Petrucco, together with 4 other main representatives of the construction sector,  will participate in a video conference with Commissioner Thierry Breton, responsible for the Internal Market.
The aim is to discuss the urgent support needed by construction companies to help them face the current crisis, as well as the measures that need to be put in place in order to ensure a quick recovery.
This is a unique opportunity to present FIEC’s messages and recommendations at the highest EU political level.

On 1 April, FIEC issued a paper which points to construction specific problems related to the free movement of services and workers during the current crisis. Whilst recognising that the health and safety of all employees on construction sites throughout the EU must remain the main priority, it is also of crucial importance to ensure, wherever possible, the continuation of construction activities in order to maintain the works on critical construction projects; and to limit as much as possible major economic disruption. Restrictions regarding the free movement of services and workers are resulting in major disruption to the sector’s supply chains, making it difficult to keep construction activities going.