The European Commission is preparing the Quality Jobs Roadmap, set to be published at the end of 2025. This initiative aims to promote fair wages, safe and healthy working conditions, and establish a comprehensive strategy to enhance job quality across the EU over the next five years.
The construction sector stands at the core of Europe’s green and digital transitions but faces persistent challenges such as labour and skills shortages, an ageing workforce, and a lack of attractiveness to younger generations. EBC calls for a realistic, flexible, and sector-sensitive approach, ensuring that the unique dynamics of the construction industry, where 94% of companies are micro enterprises, are taken into account.
EBC believes that imposing a single, EU-level definition of “quality jobs” would not reflect the diverse realities across sectors and Member States.. For construction SMEs and micro enterprises, definitions must remain adaptable to national contexts, company realities, and evolving workforce needs. The Roadmap should leave room for sectoral flexibility rather than impose a one-size-fits-all concept.
Rather than introducing new legislation, EBC believes the priority should be on effective implementation and enforcement of existing rules. This is key to addressing ongoing issues such as complex subcontracting chains, payment delays, and social dumping. Future initiatives should be built on constructive consultations with social partners at both EU and national levels.
Social dialogue and collective bargaining are fundamental tools for shaping labour policies that reflect real sectoral needs. EBC calls for stronger support for micro enterprises, ensuring that they are effectively represented by social partners at all levels. Reinforcing these collaborative structures will benefit both businesses and workers.
The success of the twin transition depends on equipping the workforce with the right skills. EBC urges targeted support for vocational education, apprenticeships, and upskilling programmes tailored to construction, with particular focus on micro and small enterprises. EU and national funds should be directed to training centres, paritarian institutes, and SMEs to address labour shortages and make the sector more attractive to younger generations.
Through this position paper, EBC outlines practical recommendations to ensure that the Quality Jobs Roadmap supports job quality, skills, and the competitiveness of Europe’s construction SMEs and craft enterprises.
Read the full position paper here.
