In the eternal city where Europe’s heritage is carved into every stone, the European Builders Confederation (EBC) marked its 35th anniversary with a landmark, forward-looking Annual Congress. At the special invitation of its Italian member ANAEPA-Confartigianato Edilizia, the event was proudly hosted in the prestigious headquarters of Confartigianato in Rome, placing craftmanship and construction SMEs at the very heart of the discussion.
This year’s Congress included a public conference that brought together high-level policymakers, construction leaders, and technical experts to shine a spotlight on a frequently underrepresented driver of Europe’s green and inclusive transition: the renovation and reuse of historic buildings. From housing to sustainability, heritage is proving to be not a constraint, but a strategic opportunity.
A Congress with purpose
Under the theme “Preserving history, building tomorrow”, the Congress underscored the essential role of construction SMEs and craft trades in preserving architectural identity, revitalising local economies, and delivering skilled employment.
Opening messages from Marco Granelli, President of Confartigianato Imprese, Philip Van Nieuwenhuizen, then President of EBC, and Stefano Crestini, President of ANAEPA-Confartigianato Edilizia set the tone for the day, highlighting the urgent need to unlock the potential of historic buildings for sustainable growth.
A moving video “Noi, che veniamo da lontano” from the Filiera Fondamentale campaign captured the cultural and economic importance of Italy’s construction sector.
Moderated by journalist Giuliano Zulin, the conference featured three panel sessions:
After an introduction by MEP Antonella Sberna (ECR, Italy), Vice-President of the European Parliament, Mr. Van Nieuwenhuizen explored how EU procurement frameworks can better integrate SMEs into public tenders with Piero Petrucco, President of FIEC, and Jean-Yves Muylle, from DG GROW at the European Commission. Key topics included the ongoing assessment of the EU procurement framework, the division into lots of tenders to facilitate SME access, the simplification of rules, the integration of green and social criteria, the concepts of EU and local preference, the capacity and training of public officials, and the promotion of flexible procurement models tailored to smaller actors.
A video message from Director Rosalinde Van Der Vlies from DG Energy opened the session, followed by insights from Mr. Crestini, Angeliki Konstantinopoulou, from the Sustainable Energy Finance Association, and Manuela Rinaldi from the Italian institute ITACA. Emphasizing the need to consider energy efficiency as a financial asset, the speakers discussed on how to overcome financing hurdles and optimise public-private schemes, ensure architectural integrity, balance innovative and traditional practices, the need for skilled professionals equipped with appropriate training and upskilling both in traditional techniques and aligned with energy performance needs, as well as better coordination between EU policy and local implementation.
As with the other debates, this session was enriched by a message of MEP Irene Tinagli (S&D, Italy), Chair of the special HOUS committee at the European Parliament, further reinforcing the Congress’ alignment with current EU priorities. With historic buildings representing a unique housing stock potential, Diego Zoppi from the Council of Architects Europe and the newly elected President of EBC Jean-Christophe Repon shared messages on repurposing approaches and collaboration across the value chain. They called for a better focus on the existing building stock, better funding models, streamlined regulation, and support for local actors.
A symbolic celebration
The event featured interventions by key Italian policymakers and officials at the national and local levels, including contributions from Andrea Tobia Zevi, Councillor for Heritage and Housing Policy of the Mayor of Rome Roberto Gualtieri; Erica Mazzetti, Member of the Italian Parliament; and Massimo Sessa, President of the Superior Council of Public Works of the Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
In his closing remarks, marking his final act at the end of his term as President of EBC, Philip Van Nieuwenhuizen reaffirmed the Confederation’s mission: to ensure that SMEs and skilled artisans are not only seen as guardians of Europe’s built legacy, but as innovators and leaders in building a sustainable future for the construction sector.
As a fitting tribute to the Confederation’s anniversary, a Congress dinner was held the evening before at the magnificent Palazzo del Vittoriano, one of Rome’s most iconic landmarks. Surrounded by sweeping views of the Eternal City, participants celebrated the union of history, craftsmanship, and a shared European vision for a sustainable future.
 | To access the pictures of the event, click here |
