EEI legal study on Subcontracting
The European Employers’ Institute (EEI), of which FIEC is one of the founding member, published a new legal study entitled “Can the EU restrict subcontracting? A legal perspective”. This study, led by Erik Sinander, Associate Professor at Stokholm University, examines the legal implications of restricting subcontracting following the call of the European Parliament “to introduce an EU general legal framework limiting subcontracting and ensuring joint and several liabilities through the subcontracting chain”.
The study warns of the legal complexity and EU fragmentation that could result from introducing restrictions on subcontracting and potentially destabilising a wide array of industries from construction and manufacturing to logistics and other services.
FIEC welcomes this study which brings legal perspectives to a hot topic in the European debates.
FIEC with EU Commissioner Dan Jørgensen at the “EU Water Resilience Coalition” meeting
FIEC took part in the “EU Water Resilience Coalition” meeting attended on 2 September by the EU Commissioner for Energy & Housing, Dan Jørgensen, in Brussels, at the European Commission.
Discussions focused on:
- Relevance of “Water Resilience for Energy and Housing” and appropriate funding (MFF priorities).
- Cooling power plants account for 32% of water withdrawals in Europe.
FIEC highlighted that electricity generation is a major contributor to rising water demand, while supply is increasingly limited. Across the EU, 23% loss of treated water in the distribution network. This overproduction of purified water leads to an overconsumption of energy for operating treatment facilities and pumping stations, including related GHG emissions.
An estimated EUR 23 billion investment gap (0.1% of EU GDP) to meet existing legal requirements. The current combined annual investment in water infrastructure across the EU is around EUR 55 billion.
FIEC also stressed that the actions outlined in the “EU Water Resilience Strategy” will require the active involvement of the construction ector. Achieving the goal of a resilient and sustainable future can only happen in collaboration with contractors. They are the ones who know the grids and how to maintain & repair water infrastructure, as well as building new parts, when needed.
6th revision of CMRD (Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive)
On 18 July, the European Commission published its long-awaited proposal for the 6th revision of the Carcinogens, Mutagens and Reprotoxic substances Directive (CMRD).
This 6th revision proposes limit values and relevant notations for cobalt and its inorganic compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 1,4-dioxane. It also adds welding fumes to the “List of substances, mixtures and processes” in Annex I to the CMRD. Exposure to welding fumes and PAH (in roofing work, parquet renovation or road milling work, where former tar was used) are relevant for the construction industry.
The European Commission launched a feedback period (until the 21 October) to collect opinions on the proposal: link here.
CIF turns 90: Building a competitive Ireland for People, Prosperity and Progress
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) of Ireland, member of FIEC, is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2025, marking 90 years since its founding in 1935. The anniversary will be at the core of the CIF Annual Conference 2025, which will take place on 30 September at Croke Park, Dublin.
The Conference will bring together senior sector leaders, policy-makers and other stakeholders to discuss developments across the county to facilitate the successful delivery of crucial policies to support a viable construction industry.
The CIF is a leading Irish organisation for the construction sector, advocating for a thriving and competitive industry to support national development, as detailed on their website and in events like the CIF Southern Construct Summit.
In the spotlight of the celebration is the incredible women shaping Ireland’s built environment. Ahead of this year’s Women’s Day (last 8 March), and in time for CIF International Women’s Day Summit, the Irish federation launched a dedicated webpage showcasing more than 100 inspiring women: leaders, innovators and ground breakers across construction sites, the corporate world, and beyond. Their careers highlight the evolving opportunities for women within our dynamic industry. CIF’s key message is outstanding: From engineering to project management, sustainability to sitework, the future of construction is diverse, inclusive, and full of possibility. Explore their inspirational stories via this link.
Furthermore, the construction sector is leading the way in terms of equal pay between women and men, as recent statistics show that the gender pay gap in the build environment is among the best overall.
FIEC congratulates its Irish colleagues for this remarkable journey and all that has been achieved by CIF both individually and together with our Federation at EU and international level. We wish CIF happy anniversary and much success on its celebration!
| CIF NEWS |
Hubert Fitzpatrick, CIF Director General’s Message of Appreciation on FIEC 120th Anniversary
In the occasion of the 120th anniversary of FIEC, in a video message Hubert Fitzpatrick, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation of Ireland, seized the moment to congratulate FIEC for its achievements and the remarkable journey, as well as to comment on the strategic importance of FIEC membership within the construction community at European and international level.
We thank our Irish colleagues for their valuable contribution to the promotion of the legacy and mission of our FIEC.