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Position papers
Position papers are a cornerstone of EBC’s advocacy efforts, providing clear and concise statements on key issues affecting the European construction sector. These documents outline our views, priorities, and recommendations on policies and initiatives that shape the industry’s future.
Each position paper reflects the collective voice of construction SMEs and craftsmen, addressing challenges and opportunities in areas such as sustainability, innovation, the labor market, and economic growth. Through these papers, EBC engages with European policymakers, stakeholders, and industry partners to influence decisions that impact the sector at national and EU levels.
Our position papers are more than just advocacy tools; they are a resource for understanding the evolving needs of the construction industry and the crucial role SMEs play in driving progress. Explore this section to gain insights into EBC’s policy stances and how we are working to shape a fair, dynamic, and sustainable construction ecosystem.
EBC position paper on Digital Building Logbooks and Building Renovation Passports
Digitalisation & Innovation
EBC backs these tools to improve building information and renovation planning. It underscores the importance of clear data ownership, security, and cost affordability for SMEs. The tools aim to streamline the renovation process and improve energy efficiency while enhancing user knowledge.
EBC position paper on the implementation of Public Procurement in the European Union
Economy
In its paper on the implementation of the public procurement directive, EBC calls for better access to tender information, reduced administrative burdens, and fair evaluation criteria to improve SME participation. Recommendations include dividing contracts into smaller lots, enforcing payment deadlines, and providing training for public authorities. These measures aim to create fairer opportunities for SMEs and support regional development
Joint discussion paper – Standardisation under the Construction Products Regulation
Standardisation
EBC and SBS address the European Commission's revision proposal for the Construction Products Regulation (CPR). It emphasizes the need for a stable regulatory framework that integrates sustainability and digitalization, benefiting SMEs, while supporting streamlined standardization processes, simplifications for SMEs, and better education on sustainability concepts. The paper critiques the complexity of new proposals, calling for clearer definitions and pragmatic implementation to ensure accessibility and competitiveness for SMEs.
Categories: Standardisation, Construction Products
EBC position paper on a New Circular Economy Action Plan
Energy & Environment
EBC supports the EU's initiative to enhance sustainability in the construction sector by increasing waste management efficiency, promoting the use of recycled materials, and creating a holistic approach to circularity. The paper stresses reducing administrative burdens for SMEs and ensuring adequate infrastructure for recycling and training.
Joint statement – Appeal by the construction industry for a rapid and sustainable recovery
Energy & Environment
Economy
The main construction representatives at the European level, EBC, FIEC, EFBWW, Construction Products Europe, Housing Europe, UIPI and Efficient Buildings Europe (formerly EuroACE), urged for a rapid and sustainable recovery investment in construction as part of economic recovery plans, emphasizing the sector’s role in achieving EU Green Deal objectives. Key priorities include funding for energy-efficient renovations, digital transition, and worker upskilling.
Joint statement on supporting the Italian Plan “Green Superbonus” to relaunch the building sector
Energy & Environment
EBC, FIEC and UIPI endorse Italy's 110% Superbonus tax incentive to encourage energy-efficient and seismic renovations in buildings. This scheme, seen as a model for a green recovery, aims to boost the construction sector, reduce CO2 emissions, and create jobs. They recommend extending the Superbonus timeframe, simplifying credit transfer mechanisms, and expanding its scope to maximize impact.
Joint declaration on the European Recovery Fund – The construction ecosystem as priority with at least €320B dedicated budget
Economy
Energy & Environment
Amid the pandemic, FIEC, EBC, and CPE highlight the construction sector's critical role in the EU's economic recovery. The paper urges the EU to allocate at least €320 billion from the European Recovery Fund to sustain construction activity. Investment is essential to support local economies, advance the European Green Deal, and improve infrastructure, housing, and living standards. The construction ecosystem is presented as a solution to the economic and environmental challenges.
EBC position paper on the Late Payment Directive (2019)
Economy
EBC develops the call for actions from construction SMEs and crafts to further improve payment behaviour of enterprises and public authorities through an ambitious revision of the directive, based on the principle of zero tolerance for long payment terms and late payment.
Construction 2050 paper: Building tomorrow’s Europe today
Economy
Major European construction representatives have united, to stress their commitment to the extension of the existing programme in the form of the “Construction 2050: Building tomorrow’s Europe today” initiative. They advocate a holistic policy framework to address challenges in the construction sector, including decarbonization, digital transformation, and workforce skills.
