On 16 April 2025, the EBC Secretary General attended the kick-off exchange between the European Commission and European social partners, launching the consultation process for the forthcoming Quality Jobs Roadmap.
Led by Executive Vice-President for Social Rights and Skills Roxana Mînzatu, this first meeting marked the beginning of a broad dialogue that will culminate in the presentation of the Quality Jobs Roadmap at the end of 2025. The initiative aims to promote quality jobs across the European Union, supporting competitiveness, social fairness, and a just transition in the evolving labour market. Executive Vice-President Minzatu insisted on the need of a clear connection with the sectors most in need, including construction, and of protecting jobs against all type of risks.
During the exchange, participants emphasised the importance of respecting sector-specific realities, stressing that what defines a quality job is multi-layered and complex. Several contributors challenged the idea of a definition rigidly set at the EU level, which could prove counterproductive for sectors under pressure to attract more and skilled people. Many participants called for flexibility at national and sectoral levels to allow for a more targeted and effective approach. Furthermore, the discussion highlighted that the effective implementation of existing EU legislation is essential to achieve tangible improvements in employment quality. Finally, several interventions called on the European Commission to strengthen its efforts to enhance the attractiveness of vocational education and training (VET) and of sectors like construction, to address skills shortages and support sustainable career paths.
This event marks a milestone for EBC, which was invited following its recent recognition as a sectoral social partner for construction at European level. EBC will continue to closely monitor the consultation process to ensure that the construction sector’s diversity and the specific needs of SMEs and craft trades are duly considered in shaping the future Quality Jobs Roadmap.
Link to EBC position paper on skills and labour needs in construction
