Standards are vital for quality, safety, and efficiency in construction, but SMEs face significant barriers, such as limited awareness, time constraints, technical complexities, and language difficulties, which make participation in the standardisation process particularly challenging.
EBC co-founded with SMEunited the organisation Small Business Standards (SBS), the European non-profit association co-financed by the European Commission and EFTA Member States to give SMEs a voice in the standardisation process at the European and international level. By monitoring relevant standards, technical committees, and working groups, EBC ensures SME representation through SBS experts and leads the SBS Construction Working Group. Through this partnership, EBC helps construction SMEs access standards-making opportunities, ensuring that standards are developed with consideration for their needs.
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.
Standardisation
Small Business Standards (SBS) has launched its annual call for experts to represent European SMEs in standardisation bodies in 2026.
Standardisation
In its last General Assembly, EBC members unanimously approved the membership request from the European Consortium of Anchor Producers ECAP, starting January 2026.
Social Affairs
EBC is now an official EU sectoral social partner, securing stronger representation for small construction companies in European social dialogue and policy-making.
Standardisation
In January 2025, Small Business Standards (SBS), the European association representing SMEs in the standardisation process at European and international levels, appointed a new group of 79 experts in key...
Standardisation
Small Business Standards (SBS) has published its Manifesto for the 2024-2029 EU term, titled “SMEs at the heart of European standardisation”, outlining its priorities for ensuring that SMEs are fu...
