European Commission 2026 Work Programme: Social issues
As regards the construction-related social issues announced in the European Commission work programme for 2026 we would like to hihglight the following topics.
On “Affordable Housing”, the European Commission announced two initiatives. First, an initiative on short term rentals expected for Q2 2026 and, second, a Construction Services Act for the end of 2026 to simplify the rules to provide construction services across borders.
Regarding employment and labour issues, the European Commission will publish a Quality Jobs Act (legislative) in Q4 2026, as a follow-up to the Quality Jobs Roadmap.
The Work Programme also announces the publication of a Fair Labour Mobility package with three initiatives: a proposal for European Social Security Pass, an initiative to strengthen the European Labour Authority and a Skills Portability Initiative. These three initiatives will be legislative and publish in Q3 2026.
Additional highlights related to FIEC priorities and construction related policies will soon follow in the next issue of our Newsletter. Stay tuned.
| EC WP 2026 |
Environmental Legislation: FIEC Position published
On 27 October, FIEC published its Position Paper “Simplification of Environmental Legislation: Driving Circularity, Decarbonisation and Competitiveness”.
The document has been formulated in the context of the European Commission’s planned legislative initiative on an Environmental Omnibus. It highlights the construction industry’s call to address lengthy permitting procedures, which have been identified as a major factor contributing to high costs of construction and the ongoing affordable housing crisis.
The paper also outlines the request for specific measures in support of secondary materials.
| POSITION PAPER |
Construction Sector as competitiveness asset for Europe – ECTP Joint Statement
On 17 October, a Joint Statement was issued by the European Construction and sustainable built environment Technology Platform (ECTP) with the title “The Construction sector – a competitiveness asset for Europe” was published. FIEC co-signed the statement as it highlights the need for a well-resourced and stable European Research and Innovation Framework Programme as part of the next planning period.
The market uptake of new developments remains a challenge, especially regarding novel low-carbon materials and circular solutions. Future action must therefore address this shortcoming to maintain the competitive edge of the built environment while effectively driving decarbonisation, and to alleviate the ongoing EU housing crisis.
| STATEMENT |
Soil Monitoring Law finally adopted by MEPs
On 23 October, the Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) finally adopted the Soil Monitoring Law at the plenary session in Strasbourg.
This was the last procedural step before the legislative act can be published in the Official Journal of the EU and enter into force 20 days later.
Member States will have 3 years for national transposition.
| Read more |
Recovery Construction Forum 4.0 – Warsaw, 13 November
The 4th edition of the Forum will take place on 13 November 2025 in Warsaw, Poland (Expo XII). Organised by FIEC’s Ukrainian member CBU (Confederation of Builders of Ukraine) and supported by FIEC, it is the platform that brings together construction industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from across Europe. The event aims to foster dialogue and share best practices on how the sector can accelerate recovery while embracing the green and digital transitions.
Registration details, full programme and additional updates coming soon on the link below.