EC evaluation of 2014 Public Procurement Directives: Key findings reinforce FIEC’s demands
- Increase in single bid procedures – The report observes that procedures with a single bidder rose from 23.5% to 41.8% and that several Member States show single bid shares above 30%. This trend worries FIEC, which has been warning for years about the risk of less competition and more “take it or leave it” deals.
- Dominance of the open procedure – According to the evaluation, the share of the open procedure climbed from 73% (2006-2010) to 82% (2017 2024). In the utilities sector this increase is particularly marked, while the share of restricted procedures fell from 11% to around 2% . FIEC interprets this as a sign that the flexibility offered by other procedures (negotiated or competitive dialogue) is not being fully used, and the evaluation confirms that many stakeholders find it difficult to use negotiation outside limited cases and to adapt contracts when unforeseen events occur.
- Perceived failure of simplification – When asked whether the 2014 directives made the rules simpler, 54.1 % of participants in the open public consultation responded that they did not. The evaluation notes that trade unions and public authorities were particularly negative on this point. This matches FIEC’s view that the reform has not delivered true simplification.
- Growth in SME participation – The evaluation shows that small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) were awarded 71% of contracts and 55% of the value of above threshold procurement in 2017-2024, compared with 61% (41% of the value) before the reform. The report links this improvement to provisions encouraging SMEs, such as lower financial requirements and the possibility of dividing contracts into lots. FIEC highlights these figures to argue that what works should not be replaced by rigid obligations; buyers should remain free to subdivide contracts case by case without being forced to do so systematically.
- Shifting weight of award criteria – The share of awards based on the “most economically advantageous tender” (MEAT) appears to have declined from 70% in 2006-2010 to 63% in 2017-2024. However, the evaluation explains that this decrease is mainly a composition effect due to a higher proportion of small contracts, where awarding on the basis of lowest price is more common; the use of non price criteria remains broadly stable and has begun to rise again after 2017. For FIEC, this confirms that if we want less “all price” in construction procurement, we need practical tools (guides, life cycle cost methodologies, simple indicators) rather than rigid obligations that would make procedures heavier.
- Uncertainty about access from third countries – The evaluation reports that stakeholders have expressed uncertainty about the participation of economic operators from third countries that do not have access rights and consider that the directives do not sufficiently limit dependence on non EU suppliers. FIEC has long insisted on a clear and reciprocal framework for third country participation to ensure a level playing field and will use this finding to support its demand.
The Commission has concluded its evaluation and is moving into the orientation phase for a possible revision. FIEC will capitalise on these results in its dialogue with the relevant stakeholders.
| EC REPORT |
FIEC defends flexibility on division into lots: Letter to EVP Stéphane Séjourné
On 15 October, FIEC sent a letter to European Commission Executive Vice President, Stéphane Séjourné, to express strong concerns regarding recent calls from the European Parliament to mainstream the division of public contracts into lots in the upcoming revision of the EU Public Procurement Directives.
While the Parliament’s own-initiative report (2024/2103(INI)), adopted on 9 September 2025, recommends encouraging lot subdivision across all public tenders, FIEC reiterates that:
“Contracting authorities should continue to properly assess whether or not it is appropriate to divide contracts into lots, they must preserve the freedom to determine autonomously the number, size and scope of those lots, without being subject to administrative or judicial interference.” This principle is currently enshrined in Article 46(1) and Recital 78 of Directive 2014/24/EU and must be maintained in the forthcoming revision.
In its letter FIEC also calls on the Commission to preserve a broad choice of procurement methods that match local and national specificities — rather than imposing one-size-fits-all constraints.
FIEC remains fully committed to engaging with the Commission and stakeholders to ensure that the revision of the procurement framework supports both fair competition and project efficiency.
Water Resilience:
FIEC Position is published
On 20 October, FIEC published its Position Paper “Water Resilience: Solutions by the Construction Industry in a Sustainable Policy Framework”. The document sets out specific policy recommendations to enhance infrastructure delivery and strengthen water resilience across the European Union.
Currently, around 23% of freshwater in the EU is lost through distribution network leakages, a major driver of both water scarcity and unnecessary energy consumption (e.g. treatment facilities, pumping stations), ultimately increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Although approximately EUR 55 billion is invested annually in water infrastructure across the EU, an additional EUR 23 billion per year is required to meet existing legal obligations.
This document draws on insights gathered during the FIEC Annual Conference held in Athens in May 2025 under the main theme “Building Tomorrow: Solutions for Water Resilience and Blue Infrastructure”, as well as FIEC’s contribution to the European Commission Public Consultation on the EU Water Resilience Strategy, and previous initiatives such as the FIEC-EIC Joint Call for a European Blue Deal.
Today’s Position Paper highlights investment needs for water infrastructure and its maintenance. Its aim is to inform and support discussions on funding priorities in the post-2027 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF).
| POSITION PAPER |
EurEau and FIEC jointly call on the EU Commission to uphold the EPR scheme in UWWTD
Last week, the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) co-signed a joint letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in support of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme under the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive (UWWTD).
Together with EurEau (the European Federation of National Associations of Water Services), FIEC emphasises that the EPR scheme is essential for achieving high water quality standards and reducing environmental pollution. The mechanism brings much-needed private investments into the water sector and plays a key role in enabling the construction of quaternary treatment facilities for wastewater.
The signatories urge the European Commission to maintain the current legislative framework, which entered into force on 1 January 2025 and must be transposed into national law by the end of July 2027. Any weakening of the EPR scheme would jeopardise critical investments in water infrastructure, including nature-based solutions.
FIEC and EurEau therefore call on the European Commission to safeguard the agreed EPR provisions in the UWWTD and avoid revisions that could delay or undermine its timely, fair, and effective implementation.
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“EXCEL4Housing 4.0” project – Stakeholder Roundtables
The Erasmus+ funded project EXCEL4Housing 4.0 (“Centres of Vocational Excellence for Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Housing”), of which FIEC is one of the partners, is conducting a study on skills gaps, labour market needs and future employment trends in the construction sector, with a focus on energy efficiency, sustainable housing, digitalisation, and circular economy practices.
To validate research findings, the project is organising 3 roundtables that will gather policymakers, VET providers, academics, researchers, and industry experts to validate the project’s research findings and co-shape the roadmap for future skills, innovation, and excellence in the sector.
If interested, you can register for the sessions here:
- Roundtable of energy efficiency and decarbonisation in buildings – 23 October
- Roundtable on digital transition – 31 October
- Roundtable on circular economy – 4 November
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European Cement Production: Launch of Decarbonising Action Plan
On 15 October at Industry Flagship Event, the European cement industry, namely Cement Europe (formerly Cembureau), launched its decarbonisation roadmap titled “A Cement Action Plan: Powering Competitiveness, Enabling Transition”.
While much of the discussion centred on the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), designed to address carbon leakage and prevent the relocation of EU-based production, the panellists also touched upon the ongoing debate around lead markets and the development of “green” labels for low-carbon industrial materials.
For FIEC, being the voice of the construction industry, it is clear that well-established regulatory tools are already in place under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). We support the use of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as well as the future Declarations of Performance and Conformity (DoPCs), which enable informed decision-making at the building level. Furthermore, the revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and information about the environmental performance of materials are key to advancing low-carbon construction through GWP disclosure and performance requirements.
Innovation remains essential for a competitive and sustainable built environment. Greater material efficiency and the development of novel materials can make a significant contribution to decarbonisation efforts in construction. We therefore closely collaborate with product manufacturers to align decarbonisation goals, and encourage EU support for R&I and market uptake to ensure the competitive edge and sustainability of the sector.
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Mediterrenean Pact:
EU recalibrates its Southern strategy
The Pact for the Mediterranean was jointly launched on 16 October by the European Commission (represented by Dubravka Šuica, EU Commissioner for the Mediterranean) and Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security.
The document was published to update the EU-Southern Mediterranean relationship, based on 3 pillars:
- People (as driving force for change), connections and innovations.
- Stronger, more sustainable and integrated economies.
- Security, preparedness and migration management.
Click here to access EU Factsheets on this topic.The Pact will be submitted for political endorsement in November 2025 on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Barcelona Process. A dedicated Action Plan is expected by the end of the first quarter 2026: it will specify how the concrete deployment of the different initiatives is envisaged.
| PRESS RELEASE |
#FIEC120: A message by Stephanos Pierides, Chairman of Sub-Commission “Environment”
FIEC warmly thanks Mr Stephanos Pierides (CY-OSEOK) for his contribution and for the nice words expressed to highlight the milestones, achievements, solidity, legacy, values of FIEC, as well as the daily work carried out by FIEC staff, the Steering Committee colleagues and all members across the Federation.
It has been a pleasure to receive such positive remarks by the Chairman of FIEC Sub-Commission “Environment”: A special wish for FIEC’s 120th birthday and much success on its celebration.
| WATCH VIDEO |