FIEC Newsletter – 19 Μαΐου 2026

In Cyprus on 12 May, Dan Jørgensen, EU Commissioner in charge of Energy and Housing, took the opportunity of addressing Ministers and many stakeholders being gathered together, to launch a Call for Interest to join the first-ever European Housing Alliance, previously announced in the framework of the European Affordable Housing Plan. The initiative aims to mobilise all interested stakeholders around efforts to address the housing crisis.

This Alliance will bring together national, regional, and local authorities, as well as housing stakeholders and EU institutions to facilitate cooperation, knowledge sharing and exchanges of best practices to boost housing affordability across the EU.

On 12 and 13 May, the European Labour Authority (ELA) celebrated the 10-year anniversary of the European Platform tackling Undeclared Work, of which FIEC – as EU social partner – is an observer.

In his capacity of President of the Building Contractors Association of Cyprus (OSEOK, FIEC’s member), Stephanos Pierides (Chair of FIEC sub-commission on energy efficiency and environment), was invited to present the priorities and needs of the social partners in tackling undeclared work in the construction sector.

In his intervention, Pierides highlighted that reducing undeclared or under-declared practices in construction is a combination of measures, namely: a clear recognition of the various employment categories, agreed working conditions and predictable rules, where access to the construction site is directly linked to compliance. In addition, enforcement responsibilities must clearly remain with the competent authorities, while employers’ role is to support compliance.

Moreover, Pierides explained that the Cypriot construction social partners were working on the development of a social ID card, as well as a working-time verification mechanism, to enhance transparency and compliance in the sector.

FIEC has been a long-standing partner of the platform. It has been participating in its meetings and activities and – a few years ago – has namely run a successful Social Dialogue project on tackling undeclared work in construction (TUWIC), in parallel to a large communication campaign launched by the platform.

ELA disseminated a video reporting positive remarks expressed by its stekaholders and the social partners (FIEC and EFBWW). Play the video including a message delivered by Christine Le Forestier, FIEC Director for Social Affairs.

The EXCEL4HOUSING 4.0 Open Innovation Programme is still accepting applications, and the deadline is fast approaching: 29 May (2026) at 17:00 Brussels time.

If you are a start-up or SME with an innovative solution for construction, housing, or the built environment, this programme offers a concrete pathway to European scale. Selected companies gain visibility across a broad network of industry players, public authorities, research bodies, and training providers active across Europe.

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. Participants will pitch at a European online event in October 2026 and compete before an expert jury for a €7,500 excellence award. 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.

On the 12 May, the MOBICCON-PRO consortium convened online for its bi-annual Progress Meeting and General Assembly, marking a significant milestone at the three-and-a-half-year point of this EU-funded project.

Coordinated by Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD (GBS), the meeting brought together the full consortium partners, including the Danish Technological Institute (DTI), IDEA Consult, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG), the Economic Policy Institute (EPI), CY Cergy Paris University, the City of Pirot and the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC), to review progress, share key achievements, and align on next steps.

The key highlights included:

On 13 May, Kjetil Tonning, FIEC Honorary President and Chair of the FIEC-EIC Task Force Ukraine, took part in the 3rd ENBRI High-Level Summit in Delft.

The event brought together European building research institutes and construction innovation stakeholders to discuss how research, testing, technology infrastructures and innovation can support Europe’s built environment. During the Summit, the European Network of Building Research Institutes (ENBRI) presented two papers, including one on technology infrastructures and another on a new positive storyline for the construction sector.

In his contribution, Kjetil Tonning presented the work of the FIEC-EIC Task Force Ukraine and underlined the importance of linking Ukraine’s reconstruction needs with European construction expertise, research capacity and innovation. He stressed that reconstruction is not only a matter of rebuilding infrastructure and housing, but also an opportunity to support safer, more sustainable, more affordable and scalable construction solutions.

The exchange confirmed the relevance of stronger cooperation between contractors, research and technology organisations, public authorities and financiers to help transform innovative solutions into practical tools for Ukraine’s recovery and long-term integration with the European construction ecosystem.