The European Builders Confederation (EBC) convened policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders at the European Parliament yesterday to address the challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s construction sector. The event drew strong support from MEPs Grégory Allione (Renew, France), Marcos Ros Sempere (S&D, Spain), and Miriam Lexmann (EPP, Slovakia). With the theme “Empowering Construction SMEs and Crafts for a Resilient and Sustainable Built Environment,” it highlighted the indispensable role of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and craft trades in achieving energy efficiency, creating local jobs, and addressing housing crisis.
Representing over 300,000 construction SMEs across Europe, EBC emphasized the sector’s significant contribution to the EU economy and society, accounting for nearly 10% of GDP and employing 15 million workers. Remarkably, 94% of construction companies are micro-enterprises, embedded in local communities and uniquely positioned to deliver sustainable homes, buildings, and infrastructure.
When emphasizing the construction sector’s importance for Europe’s competitiveness, sustainability and social goals, the supporting MEPs stated:
“The construction sector is essential in reshaping resilient cities, where sustainability meets strength, where safety meets preparedness. We need to build buildings and infrastructure adapted to endure extreme conditions and protect vulnerable population in an unpredictable climate, always keeping in mind that buildings and construction are essentially made by people for people, in a local dynamic” said MEP Allione, sitting both in the EMPL and ENVI committees of the European Parliament.
“The 10th EU legislature will focus on cities and urban policies, with builders also playing a key role to a sustainable and inclusive Europe. Tackling climate change, energy-efficient buildings, and the housing crisis requires EU institutions to deliver on commitments. This political cycle must ensure a solid EPBD implementation aligned with more affordable housing and the New European Bauhaus. The construction sector is vital to this effort” added MEP Ros Sempere, member of the REGI committee and supporter of the Urban Intergroup.
MEP Lexmann, member of the EP Bureau, Quaestor and active in the EMPL committee, declared “SMEs are the backbone of our economy, driving growth, significantly contributing to employment, and maintaining our competitiveness. To ensure their continued success, we must establish simpler, clearer rules that reduce administrative burdens while safeguarding the safety and quality standards that European SMEs proudly uphold. Supporting these small businesses means making sure they are prioritized when investing in a stronger, more competitive, and resilient Europe”.
EBC policy calls
In line with the political guidelines of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, EBC President Philip van Nieuwenhuizen (AFNL, Netherlands), Vice-President Jean-Christophe Repon (CAPEB, France) and Board members Rinaldo Incerpi (CNA Costruzioni, Italy), Stefano Crestini (ANAEPA-Confartigianato, Italy) and Miriam Bellusova (SZZ, Slovakia), presented actionable proposals to empower SMEs in the green, digital and skills transitions, as articulated in EBC messages for the new EU legislature 2024-2029:
- Stable regulatory frameworks: Clear and predictable policies, including effective implementation of the EPBD, EED, and RED.
- Access to finance: Targeted subsidies, tax relief (including VAT adjustments), and funding for staged renovations to support SME-driven projects.
- Inclusion and skills transition: Make social dialogue more inclusive and invest in vocational training, alongside initiatives to attract women and young people into construction.
- Value chain collaboration: Reforms to public procurement processes to actively include SMEs and foster partnerships across stakeholders.
- Digital transformation: Accessible digital tools and simplified standards tailored to SMEs, ensuring innovation reaches local worksites.
Experts’ insights
Additionally, a high-level panel included Stefan Moser (DG Energy), Ruth Paserman (DG Employment), Ruth Schagemann (Architects’ Council of Europe), Emmanuelle Causse (International Union of Property Owners), and Sorcha Edwards (Housing Europe) next to EBC President and Vice-President. Discussions focused on bridging the gap between policy ambitions and practical implementation, with a special emphasis on SMEs’ contributions to energy-efficient renovations, sustainable urban development, and affordable construction solutions, and the mechanisms to support them at European, national, and local level.
“Micro and small construction companies are key to achieving a more sustainable, more inclusive future,” said EBC Vice-President Jean-Christophe Repon. “Today’s event marks a stronger dialogue and partnership between EBC, the European Parliament, and the new Commission to empower our companies for action in the upcoming 2024-2029 legislative period.”
“We call for the reinforcement of the Urban Intergroup to ensure continuous dialogue on construction, energy, and housing. Our construction SMEs and craft trades are ready to deliver on Europe’s green ambitions, and they need the right tools, frameworks, and support to turn ambitions into reality.” concluded EBC President Philip van Nieuwenhuizen.
To read the full press release click here
Additional pictures of the event are available here.
