FIEC Newsletter – 13 Ιουνίου 2023

Further to the General Assembly of FIEC’s Greek member federation PEDMEDE (Panhellenic Association of Engineers Contractors of Public Works) and the relevant new board elections held on 31 May 2023 and 1 June 2023, Mr. Michail Daktylidis was re-elected as President for the mandate 2023–2026.

According to the latest indicative planning of the College of Commissioners, the proposal for a new directive on healthy soils is due to be presented on 5 July and not in June as initially planned by the European Commission.

According to a compromise text of the Council from 6 June, the Member States have several major concerns about the future Nature Restoration Law’s impact on the EU society and economy.Where appropriate, Member States should therefore take into account in their restoration plans the diversity of situations in the various regions of the Union, such as social, economic and cultural requirements and regional and local characteristics, including population density, according to the compromise text.

EU countries are also concerned about the “non-deterioration principle” and its implementation beyond Natura 2000 protected areas.

The Member States are aiming at finding an agreement on 20 June. In the European Parliament, the vote (expected to be tight) is scheduled for 15 June.

A new guide by the EU-OSHA offers workplaces practical ways – organisational and technical – to lessen, manage and train on this occupational risk affecting both indoor and outdoor workers. Information is also provided on what actions should be taken if a worker starts showing signs of suffering from heat-related illnesses.

On 1 June, the European Parliament adopted its position for negotiations with the Council of the EU on rules to integrate human rights and environmental impact into companies’ governance. In addition to having to address the potential impact of their activities on human rights and the environment, companies will also have to address the impact of their value-chain partners including also other actors, and not only suppliers. The new rules will apply to both EU-based companies and non-EU companies that meet certain thresholds.Now that the European Parliament has adopted its position, negotiations with Member States on the final text of the legislation will begin shortly.

 

On 8 and 9 June, the European Commission organised the “Making Skills Count” Conference in the context of the European Year of Skills.

This event gathered experts and key stakeholders from EU and international organisations, NGOs, companies, and social partners, and addressed numerous skill-related issues and initiatives. Among them the “Skills-first” approach that focuses on skills rather than formal qualifications or job titles, and the need for new skills for the green and digital transitions.

As these transitions transform many sectors, million of jobs have to be adjusted. It should be done with a positive message for workers who need to see these changes as an opportunity to acquire new skills. It is the case for the construction sector where green skills are more and more sought-after. Therefore, it is necessary to guarantee an access to quality training, to develop apprenticeship for adults, and to attract young people.

In his opening speech, EU Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, Nicolas Schmit, insisted on the importance of upskilling and reskilling. He also highlighted that Social Dialogue is key to the twin transition.