On 30 September 2025, the European Builders Confederation (EBC) marked its 35th anniversary with a celebratory dinner at the historic Maison de la Bellone in Brussels. The evening brought together representatives from EBC’s member organisations, former Presidents, partners from the European institutions and social dialogue community, and even former Secretariat team members, to celebrate more than three decades of commitment to Europe’s builders.
Since its creation in 1990, EBC has represented micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and craft trades in the construction sector, ensuring that their voice is heard in Brussels and across Europe. From six founding organisations, EBC now counts 21 associations among its members.
The dinner took place in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere, with a welcome cocktail, a branding video, and a speech by EBC President Jean-Christophe Repon, who saluted national delegates, guests, and especially former Presidents Jean Lardin (CAPEB, France), Andrea Marconi (ANAEPA, Italy), Rinaldo Incerpi (CNA Costruzioni, Italy), and Philip van Nieuwenhuizen (AFNL, Netherlands). While José Antonio Calvo Delgado (CNC, Spain) was unable to attend, all former Presidents were officially named Honorary Presidents of EBC, a gesture marking their lasting contribution to the organisation. Each was honoured with a symbolic EBC helmet, recognising their leadership and role in EBC’s growth.
The President underlined the historic milestone achieved in February 2025, when the European Commission officially recognised EBC as a European sectoral social partner, acknowledging the contribution of SMEs and craft companies to European social dialogue in construction.
Partners from the wider construction value chain, including SMEunited, EFBWW, FIEC, ACE, and CPE, joined the celebration, alongside representatives of the European Commission and Eurofound. Their presence highlighted the spirit of cooperation that EBC has built over the years.
Looking forward, EBC reaffirmed its priorities:
Throughout the evening, a slideshow of milestone moments from the past 35 years was projected, inviting participants to reflect on the journey so far. The event concluded with a toast to the future of EBC and a final networking moment.
With this celebration, EBC not only looked back with pride on 35 years of history but also looked ahead with confidence – committed to ensuring that the role of SMEs and craft companies is fully reflected at EU level and to showing their major contribution to Europe’s built environment, economy, and green transition.
A huge thank you to the EBC members and teams, as well as to our guests, for making this evening a historic moment for our organisation, in a particularly convivial atmosphere!
More photos will be available soon.
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