Subcontracting: EP vote on Own-initiative Report
During its next plenary session of 12 February, the European Parliament will vote on MEP Danielsson’s Own-initiative Report – “Addressing subcontracting chains and the role of intermediaries in order to protect workers’ rights” (2025/2133(INI)).
Ahead of this vote, FIEC reminded the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) that subcontracting is a vital part of the construction industry. It allows companies to respond to project demand flexibility, access specialised expertise, cushion the shortage of skilled workforce and maintain competitiveness. Therefore, calls for EU-wide limits on subcontracting misunderstand how the industry operates and risk damaging efficiency, innovation, and SME participation.
National rules already exist and are better suited to the specific realities of each Member State. Rather than imposing one-size-fits-all limits, the EU should focus on better enforcement of existing laws and support digital tools for transparency and compliance.
This is why FIEC urged MEPs to reject any request to purely limit subcontracting or impose joint and several liability along the chain at the EU level. Read our Joint Statement via link below.
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FIEC at final conference of AEIP Post-Meet project
Hosted by MEP Gabrielle Bischoff in the European Parliament on 3 February, the European Association of Paritarian Institutions (AEIP) presented the final outcomes of the POST-MEET project aimed at improving access to essential information on transnational posting in the construction sector for workers and companies, across 8 EU Member States.
Invited to discuss cross border cooperation and enforcement with the European Federation of Building and Wood Workers (EFBWW) and the European Commission (DG EMPL), FIEC Director General Domenico Campogrande insisted that “we do not need more legislation in this field but better implementation and enforcement, namely through digitalisation for real-time access to data”. He also made clear that “simplification in the labour mobility field does not mean deregulation, but companies should be offered streamlined digital procedures, to the benefit of a level-playing field“.
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European Commission consults on upcoming VET Strategy
On 6 February, FIEC participated in the Social Partners’ Hearing on the future VET Strategy, which is planed for Q2 2026 and aims to strengthen Vocational and Educational Training and to make it “more attractive, innovative, inclusive and future ready by boosting quality, work-based learning, mobility where relevant and labour market responsiveness, and by tackling negative VET stereotypes“.
At this occasion, FIEC stressed the need to improve the attractiveness of VET and to make sure that training contents are aligned with companies’ need. FIEC also welcomes initiatives to foster mobility of learners.
The European Commission also launched a Call for Evidence that will be open until 19 February, 2026.
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New “Horizon Europe” Calls: Climate, Energy and Mobility Research
Through the the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency (CINEA), the European Commission has launched new Calls for Proposals under the Horizon Europe’s 2026–2027 Work Programme (Cluster 5) making over €466 million available to support research and innovation in climate action, sustainable energy and clean mobility.
These calls target key areas including climate sciences and response strategies, secure and competitive energy systems, and innovative solutions. Funding opportunities are now open with various deadlines in March and April 2026.
FIEC members active in research and innovation are encouraged to explore these opportunities and to consider joining strengths in a consortium to submit their application.
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Eurobridge conference: 10 April 2026, Brussels
https://www.euro-bridge.eu/conference/Europe’s bridges, roads, and tunnels are aging. Most of them were built more than 50 years ago and are now under growing pressure from heavier traffic, climate impacts and rising maintenance needs. Postponing maintenance not only increases safety risks, but also leads to higher costs and greater carbon emissions. As a result, infrastructure maintenance has become a strategic priority for Europe, as clearly stated in the revised TEN-T Regulation.
The conference brings together policymakers, infrastructure operators, engineers, researchers and companies to address this common challenge and share practical solutions for the future of 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.
Click on “download” for a preliminary overview of the panels and expected speakers.
Batibouw and “Forum Construction” 2026:
Sustainaility and Innovation in the spotlight
This year’s edition of the leading Belgian construction and renovation annual fair, Batibouw, puts sustainability and innovation on stage at Brussels Expo. The event kicked off on 7 February and will keep its doors open until 15 April to gather visitors, the construction sector and builder’s community with focus on the transition towards more sustainable, energy-efficient and innovative construction. Attention si placed on renovation, circular building practices, digital solutions and skills for the future.
Alongside the exhibition, the “Forum Bouw Construction” of 13 February is hosted by FIEC’s Belgian member federation, Embuild, to offer a platform for high-level discussions on key challenges facing the sector, including decarbonisation of buildings, affordable housing, productivity, workforce shortages and the implementation of European climate and energy policies. Policymakers, industry leaders and experts are expected to exchange views on how to accelerate the transformation of the construction ecosystem.
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