The European Builders Confederation (EBC), representing micro companies, SMEs, and crafts in the construction sector, congratulates Ursula von der Leyen on her re-election as President of the European Commission. EBC is particularly encouraged by the inclusion of key priorities in her Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 that will benefit the construction sector, especially SMEs and crafts.
On July 18, Ursula von der Leyen was re-elected with 401 votes in favour out of 707, securing a stronger parliamentary majority than in her previous mandate. Our construction SMEs and craftsmen extend their warm congratulations to President von der Leyen and look forward to continued collaboration over the next five years.
EBC is pleased to see that many of its priorities have been addressed in President von der Leyen’s Political Guidelines, aligning with the needs of the construction sector:
Business facilitation
- Strong commitment to simplification, reducing administrative burdens and better law-making, ensuring a more favourable business environment for SMEs;
- A new SME and competitiveness check to streamline regulations;
- The revision of the Public Procurement Directive to make public tenders more accessible to small businesses and eliminate national regulatory overlaps.
Labour and Skills
- A new Pact for European Social Dialogue in early 2025, fostering better labour relations and working conditions through regular dialogues with stakeholders to align with on-ground realities;
- A willingness to tackle the skills and labour gap through a Union of Skills initiative;
- A European Strategy for Vocational Education and Training to enhance workforce capabilities.
Housing crisis and Social fairness
- A Commissioner with responsibilities including housing;
- The first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan to address the housing crisis and promote investment in housing construction;
- A swift roll-out of the Social Climate Fund to support renovations and access to affordable, energy-efficient housing.
Climate and Water
- A European Climate Adaptation Plan to address climate resilience;
- A Clean Industrial Deal to promote sustainable industrial practices and trigger investments in sustainable competitiveness;
- A new European Water Resilience Strategy, to ensure Europe’s water security through sustainable water management practices;
- A new Circular Economy Act to create market demand for secondary materials and a single market for waste.
As advocated in its messages for the new European mandate, EBC looks forward to the continuation and delivery of the renovation targets set in motion in the past five years. In the same vein, EBC remains committed to advocating for the interests of micro companies, SMEs, and craftsmen in the construction sector, working with the European Commission and the new leadership in the European Parliament to ensure these priorities translate into tangible benefits.
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