Pages About us Facts & Figures Members People Partnerships Contact Us Campaigns Communication News & press releases Events The Construction Voice 2020 2018 2019 Position papers Annual reports Disclaimer Home Policies SME Policy SME angle Small Business Act Digitalisation Building Information Modeling (BIM) Construction 4.0 Social Affairs Labour market Health & Safety Skills Social Dialogue Energy & Environment Energy efficiency Renewable energies Circular economy Eco-design & Energy labelling Sustainable buildings Economy Internal Market Financing & Funds Fiscal policy Public procurement Late payments Standardisation SME Representation Construction Products Regulation Projects Digitalisation BIM4Ren BIM-SPEED DigiPLACE Social affairs Construction Blueprint CONDAP NETconVET Past projects Energy & Environment Past projects Sitemap Posts by category Category: Events EBC Annual Conference 2019 – Public Procurement: how to improve access for construction SMEs? EBC Annual Conference 2019 – Public Procurement: how to improve access for construction SMEs? Highlights of the European Parliament Gypsum Forum 2017 EUROGYPSUM FORUM EBC Annual Congress – Construction SMEs as the driver of Sustainable Economic growth in Europe Category: News The launch of the Construction 2050 Alliance is close! Vacancy notice: EBC Standardisation Officer Green Deal: EBC met Diederik Samsom during monthly construction lunch EBC Annual report 2018-2019: the past, present & future of construction SMEs Construction 2050: Building Tomorrow’s Europe Today EBC meets construction high-level representatives from Latin America EBC intervenes at the High Level Tripartite Forum on Construction EBC Manifesto for the European elections: Give construction SMEs the means to build a sustainable Europe Vacancy notice: EBC Projects & Communication Officer European Commission reports on European standardisation system: EBC calls for greater discussion & coordination to continue the successes Vacancy notice: EBC Standardisation Officer SBS Construction forum: a more SME-friendly standardisation system in the construction sector EBC launches its Annual Report 2017 – 2018 SBS launches annual call for SME standardisation experts – Deadline: 26 October 2018 Construction Products Regulation (CPR) Suggestions for an SME-friendly application SME definition: EBC considers the definition as still fit for purpose and asks for more support for micro enterprises and craftsmen New update of the European Construction Sector Observatory ECSO Internship opportunity: EBC Communications & Administrative Officer EBC challenges and priorities for 2018 European Commission’ study on “Monitoring of the learning commitment in the construction sector” EBC to speak at the OECD workshop on “Building the cities of tomorrow” UEAPME Construction Forum photo gallery 2017 Public Procurement Package: Construction SMEs need a better implementation of the Directive EU funding event 2017 -Photo Gallery EBC launches its new Annual Report European Parliament Gypsum Forum Photo Gallery Modern lightweight construction for smart cities of the 21st century Conference ”Construction: Let’s build changes!” EBC is hiring a Junior Standardisation Technical Officer (full time) The Construction Voice of May is out! Malta: 4 years of the European Alliance for Apprenticeships EBC President at a seminar on undeclared work The Construction Voice of April is out! EBC selects new Secretary General Discover our BIM section Buildings accessibility: EBC attends international meeting in Madrid EBC selects new Secretary general The Construction Voice of March is out! What the construction sector needs to ensure more and better apprenticeships: EBC’s recommendations The Construction Voice of February is out! The construction sector rejects the proposal for a ‘services e-card’ The Construction Voice of January is out! The Construction Voice of December is out! The European Single Procurement Document is problematic The contribution of the real estate and built environment to society, growth and sustainability The Construction Voice of November is out! The European Construction Sector Observatory is online with a wide range of data and analysis on the sector SBS Annual Conference on reinforcing cooperation within the standardisation community The Construction Voice of October is out! Launch of the European project on the long-term mobility of apprentices The Construction Voice of September is out! Standards for circular economy discussed at a CEN-CENELEC workshop The Construction Voice of July is out! EBC at the 75th Anniversary of its UK’s member the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) The European Pillar of Social Rights – EBC asks for a more inclusive social dialogue The Construction Voice of June is out! BIM must be SME-friendly if it is to trigger deep innovation in construction EBC position paper on BIM EBC adopts its position paper on an SME-friendly BIM Construction Industry and Material Producers join forces for better standardisation EBC joins the European Housing Forum The Construction Voice of May is out! Standardisation – European Economic and Social Committee votes for inclusiveness Public procurement: EBC presents concrete examples of award criteria at the Single Market Forum EBC joins the Urban Intergroup of the European Parliament The Construction Voice of April is out! Improving the image of construction at the Construction 2020 High Level Forum The Construction Voice of March is out! European Alliance for Apprenticeship: the way forward Pilot project on apprentices mobility: meeting with MEP Jean Arthuis The Construction Voice of February is out! How to make BIM an SME-friendly tool explained in the BIM Summit Portraits of women and young people in construction in the EESC Portraits of women and young people in construction in the EESC EBC replies to the consultation on the Renewable Energy Directive The Construction Voice of January is out! European Social Dialogue discussed with DG Employment New standardisation experts to follow energy performance of buildings and BIM The Construction Voice of December is online! Building Information Modelling to fit SMEs SBS presents Guide 17 for SMEs in standardisation at a CEN-CENELEC seminar The Construction Voice of November is online! 2015 SME Assembly on female entrepreneurship Engaging SMEs in apprenticeships The Construction Voice of the October issue has a new look! Smart standardisation for SMEs EBC supports the involvement of more women and young people in construction A new start for social dialogue in construction? Only if it respects real representativeness The August & September issue of the Construction Voice is online SAVE THE DATE – SBS Conference The July issue of the Construction Voice is online EBC highlights the key political issues for construction SMEs with DG GROW’s new SME policy Director The June issue of the Construction Voice is online EBC signed its apprenticeship pledge in Riga Construction SMEs tackle the demographic challenge: more women and young people in construction SBS seminar in Riga takes a sectorial look at the benefits of standardisation for SMEs SBS presents its position on Building Information Modeling The May issue of the Construction Voice is online Construction SMEs welcome better regulation but say no to deregulation The April issue of the Construction Voice is online A new start for the built environment sector Welcome to EBC new website Construction 2020 needs political support A new start for social dialogue? EBC encourages apprenticeship pledges in construction Patrick Liébus officially takes over as the new EBC President Positive accomplishments for SMEs in standardisation EC Work Programme 2015: positive simplification efforts The future of the Small Business Act A business-friendly environment for construction SMEs: what is the contribution of the new European Parliament? CEN-CENELEC’s limitation of the right of appeal is detrimental for SMEs EBC members visit EuroSkills 2014 SBS will participate in finalising the draft CEN guide for hEN under CPR SBS seminar on SMEs in standardisation The initiative on sustainable buildings does not deal with builders’ main challenges DG Entr Director General Daniel Calleja discusses with construction SMEs New rules on public procurement: EBC speaks at the DG Markt Conference EBC President welcomes Vice-President Antonio Tajani to Mérida, Spain SBS welcomes new members and experts European Standardisation Workshop for EEN Advisers Construction SMEs ask for more commitment of the Parliament in the SBA ERASMUS + offers new opportunities for apprentices Small Business Standards SBS and CEN-CENELEC – A new cooperation kicks off Public Procurement Directive – The main responsibility rests now in the hands of Member States Green Action Plan for SMEs EBC presents its Manifesto for the 2014-2019 European legislative term Enhancing social dialogue in construction SMEs European construction SMEs gather in Brussels and call on the European Council to unleash growth measures to avert the crisis Construction SMEs need fair competition, simpler administrative procedures and timely payments SMEs need fair competition, equal treatment, simpler administration and timely payment EBC concludes its “Under Construction 3” project in Madrid Two national associations join the European Builders Confederation Construction SMEs satisfied of the Commission’s proposal on public procurement Public procurement – Parliament’s report should inspire Commission’s proposal European Construction SMEs engaged in the active ageing campaign Construction SMEs call for a quick implementation of the Small Business Act Public procurement – SMEs need smaller contracts and lighter administrative procedures Construction crafts and SMEs involved for the development of renewables Category: Members news EBC Board Member appointed as new Secretary General of CNC Construcción Public procurement: EBC Vice-President appointed as member of Commission Stakeholder Expert Group The Irish National Guild of Master Craftsmen joins EBC EBC 2018 General Assembly: Rinaldo Incerpi officially assumes the Presidency of EBC Slovakian SMEs and craftsmen join the EBC family Category: Partnerships Construction Sector Action Plan – EBC pledges full support EBC reply to the consultation on the sustainable competitiveness of the construction sector Category: Policies Category: BIM Digital construction: Meet BIM4Ren, easy-to-use BIM tools for renovation BIM4Ren project: first webinar “Meet BIM4Ren: Easy-to-use BIM tools for renovation” on 26 May CONDAP project: Online training and assessment material for construction mentors Standardisation: EBC participates in CEN-CENELEC video on Standards in Construction DigiPLACE Survey: assessing the digital maturity of construction SMEs and craftsmen The very first BIM4Ren newsletter is out! Celebrating the first anniversary of the Horizon 2020 BIM4Ren project! Introducing the DigiPLACE project, a digital platform for construction in Europe H2020 project BIM4Ren: focus on workflows, stakeholders’ requirements, KPI and pilot sites in 2nd project meeting BIM4Ren project – How do you use BIM in renovation processes? Easy-to-use BIM tools for collaborative construction energy renovation works: new Horizon 2020 project BIM4REN Rebuild Expo & Congress: putting construction construction SMEs at the frontline of digitalisation The European Construction Industry Manifesto for Digitalisation: Smarter construction, Stronger economy, Inclusive society INTERMAT 2018: SBS and EBC emphasise the importance to engage SMEs in digitalization and standardisation EBC discusses how to boost youth employment through digitalisation with Renovate Europe at the European Parliament BIM Summit 2018: digital tools accessible to all! DG GROW and DG CONNECT support digital construction EU Industry Days – Industry stakeholders are ready to take the lead in digital construction Registration to the workshop on Digital Construction is open SBS Construction Forum (11 October, Brussels) – Open discussion on the CPR: REGISTER NOW! Standardisation in Construction: What’s new? The BIM Handbook is out! EBC Position paper on BIM BIMExpo in Madrid – BIM should suit SMEs Category: Circular economy EBC welcomes the European Green Deal communication Strengthening ties with Baltic construction SMEs Exploring links between Circular Economy and the Construction Products Regulation Declaration on Circular Economy in Construction Circular economy in construction: Call for an expert platform for circular materials, products and buildings Waste directive: construction SMEs promote an enabling framework and specific support for successful implementation Circular Economy: more strategic support is needed for construction SMEs EBC Secretary General speaks at the 2017 DDR Forum and Expo Plenary vote on Circular Economy proposal: Reality of construction SMEs not taken into account Waste and Landfill Directives: construction SMEs disappointed with today’s votes EDA publishes the European Demolition Industry Report 2016 EBC adopts its position paper on Circular Economy EBC position paper on Circular Economy Gypsum to Gypsum project: EBC spoke at the final conference EBC letter to DG Calleja about the public consultation on circular economy Positive efforts on circular economy, but they must be realistic Experts discuss policy updates in the UEAPME Construction Forum Letter on the consultation on the European Waste Management Targets’ review Category: Construction 4.0 Digital Construction: EBC talks in Brussels and Budapest Category: Construction Product Regulation Construction Products Regulation: legislative scrutiny time on its implementation EBC welcomes the new Director of Small Business Standards SBS experts meet to discuss the Construction Products Regulation and sustainability “Standards build trust”: let’s show it! Joint declaration: Construction products manufacturers & contractors urgently need a standardisation system that works Joint declaration: Construction products manufacturers & contractors urgently need a standardisation system that works EBC position on the future of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and its implementation European Parliament discusses fire safety in buildings Will the Pandora box of the Construction Product Regulation be reopened? EBC position paper on EU execution standards EBC opposes European-wide execution standards SBS position paper on the simplified procedures of the CPR CE-marking solutions for construction micro-enterprises Construction Products Regulation: main concerns from construction SMEs should not be overlooked SBS encourages CEN Members to vote favourably on construction regulation SBS position on the future of harmonised standards under the CPR Simplified measures of the CPR are not properly implemented yet Position for the 2nd reading on the proposal on the Construction Product Regulation Letter to the Spanish Presidency on the proposal on the Construction Product Regulation Letter to the Czech Presidency on the proposal on the Construction Product Regulation Position on the proposal for the Construction Product Regulation Category: Ecodesign & Energy labelling Sustainable buildings: Stakeholders discuss feedback from Level(s) test phase EBC in favour of an energy labelling for windows under strict conditions EBC position on the proposal for a European energy labelling for windows Problematic implementation of energy labelling for windows Ecodesign and Energy Labelling must fit SMEs’ needs UEAPME-EBC comments on ECOFYS study about ecolabelling and ecodesign Construction Forum position on the Ecodesign Directive recast Category: Energy efficiency Green ‘Superbonus’: Joint statement on supporting the Italian plan to relaunch the building sector Renovation wave to support the recovery: videocall with EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson Integrated building renovations can help to deliver a successful European Green Deal EBC joins the #Skills4Climate campaign: call to strengthen the skills base in electrical and construction trades Conference on urban regeneration and the role of SMEs: EBC President highlights the essential role construction SMEs have to play Energy efficiency Mortgages Action Plan: Energy efficiency targets cannot be reached without construction SMEs EBC 2018 Annual Conference “Energy efficiency of historical buildings: which role for SMEs and craftsmen?” EBC Annual Conference 2018: Energy efficiency of historical buildings: which role for SMEs and craftsmen? EBC joins the Small is Beautiful campaign: Small scale installations support clean energy future & create local jobs Stakeholder consultation on the implementation and effectiveness of article 17 EED is open Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Agreement reached is the right way to renovate Europe’s building stock Energy Efficiency Directive: Construction SMEs and craftsmen welcome stable long-term framework Energy Performance of Buildings Directive: Remaining flaws could be detrimental to construction SMEs The role of standardisation towards higher energy performance of buildings What’s next: standards for higher performance buildings Energy transition: opportunities for jobs and Construction SMEs Energy efficient Mortgages Action Plan Initiative launched in Rome EBC is a strategic partner of the Sustainable Energy Week Energy efficiency of buildings: video interview with the EBC President EBC welcomes EESC’s Opinion on the on the amended Energy Perfomance of Buildings Directive Clean Energy Package: what Construction SMEs want EBC published position papers on amended EPBD and EED EBC welcomes steps taken by Parliament to support energy efficiency investment EBC position paper on the Energy Efficiency Directive EBC contributes to the EESC Study Group on the Energy Performance of Buildings World Sustainable Energy Days: Construction SMEs – key players in energy efficiency EBC position paper on the Energy Performance of Buildings Clean Energy Package: buildings essential for energy transition Energy saving obligations are the most effective tools to boost energy efficiency renovations Renovate Europe Day 2016 – upskilling construction SMEs to increase employment CAPEB and EBC meet the Director-General for Energy of the European Commission, together with other major construction stakeholders High-level Round Table on energy efficiency – we need ambition & investments EBC speaks at the breakfast “the human dimension of energy efficiency” EBC speaks about innovation and energy efficiency at the IEPPEC Conference BUILD UP: the European portal on energy efficiency in buildings Consultation on the Energy Efficiency Directive – EBC reply EBC replies to the consultation on the Energy Efficiency Directive Cooperation on a green mortgage initiative and energy efficiency EBC replies to the consultation on the review of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive EBC reply to the consultation on the review of the Energy Performance of Building Directive BaseEucities in Brussels to promote sustainable growth in European cities Support to energy efficiency under the European Funds for Strategic Investments ECON and BUDG should accept ITRE vote in favour of energy efficiency and SMEs The European construction sector discussed by Croatian micro-enterprises 2030 Framework for Energy and Climate policies Delivering the EU Energy Efficiency ambition – solutions from Industry Energy efficiency needs effective measures to finance investments Putting energy efficiency back on track Reply to the consultation on the review of 2020 energy efficiency objective’s progress New EU 2030 Strategy for Climate and Energy lacks ambition Reply to the consultation on a 2030 framework for climate and energy policies Construction SMEs in Europe – Working together to remain independent The EU Growth Pact: Refurbish 10 million homes – re-invigorate Europe’s economy! Energy Efficiency Directive – a satisfactory deal, according to construction SMEs Reply to the consultation on financial support for energy efficiency in buildings Open letter to the Council on the negotiations on the Energy Efficiency Directive EBC position on the proposal for a directive on energy efficiency Energy Efficiency Directive – Construction SMEs call for an ambitious text More ambition on private buildings is needed to renovate Europe Energy Efficiency Plan: More can be done in terms of buildings refurbishment Reply to the consultation on the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive’s recasting Category: Financing & Funds European Recovery Plan: The multiplier effect of investing in the EU construction sector Joint Declaration on the European Recovery Fund: The construction ecosystem as priority with at least €320B dedicated budget Research & Innovation: a Public-Private Partnership on a Sustainable Built Environment ECCREDI joint position paper on Horizon Europe and Built environment and construction as a priority Horizon Europe: Built environment and construction as a priority Construction sector in the UEAPME SME Barometer: positive trends and familiar oscillations throughout 2017 EP Report on the post-2020 MFF: a good step in the right direction SME policy: European Investment Fund publishes interactive map on EU support for SMEs The Juncker Plan: A promising instrument with an aggregating potential EBC Position on the proposal for the EFSI regulation Banks must back the real economy and facilitate SMEs’ access to finance After the ECB’s massive lending, construction SMEs request financing for the real economy Category: Fiscal policy Reduced VAT rates should be accompanied by better information and coherence Special VAT scheme for small enterprises: VAT exemptions should not lead to unfair competition EBC position paper on the special VAT scheme for small enterprises EBC position paper on VAT rates VAT: European Commission proposes more flexible VAT rates and enhances special scheme for small enterprises Education, Training and Innovation for better management of historic buildings Reduced VAT discussed in Croatia Reduced VAT Rates – No need to fix what is not broken Reply to the consultation on the review of legislation on VAT reduced rates European Construction SMEs denounce increase of French VAT rate Category: Health & safety Updates on Covid-19 Follow-up call with EU Internal Market Commissioner Breton Videocall with EU Internal Market Commissioner Breton on COVID-19 impact on construction COVID-19: Declaration of the European Construction sector EBC intervenes at the European Fire Safety Week Health & Safety: Construction SMEs show their commitment in a busy month for OHS EBC accepted as official partner of the EU-OSHA Healthy Workplaces Campaign 2018-19 on dangerous substances Construction SMEs: Better health and safety through more awareness! Annual Conference in Zagreb – Photogallery EBC Annual Conference took place in Zagreb on 29 September 2017 Inter-institutional agreement on Wood and Silica Dust Limit on silica dust voted by EMPL Committee is unrealistic for construction EBC & FIEC position on Occupational Exposure Limit for silica dust Silica dust: exposure limit should be realistic EBC & FIEC joint position paper on silica dust in the Carcinogens Directive The inclusion of silica dust in the Carcinogens Directive is not adequate to protect workers A European delegation of painters meets EBC Best practices on health and safety at work: a French example EU Health & Safety Strategy: A good framework for the future Background note on the EU Framework on Health and Safety at work 2014-2020 EBC reply to the consultation on the EU Occupational Health & Safety framework 2014-2020 Joint open letter on the potential proposal for a musculoskeletal disorders directive Category: Internal Market Driving times and Tachographs: Political agreement recognizes construction specificities Revision of the driving times and tachograph regulations: FIEC & EBC welcome breakthrough agreement reached in the EP Internal market: EBC Vice-President discussed priorities with MEP Nagtegaal Revision of the driving times and tachograph regulations: EBC & FIEC worried about widening of legislative scope The European Construction Industry welcomes the rejection of the proposed services e-card by the European Parliament Category: Labour market European Commission launches ‘fair minimum wage’ initiative Coordination of social security systems: a missed opportunity for a more social Europe Coordination of social security systems: EBC calls upon the European Parliament to support the Rapporteur’s mandate Posting of workers directive: a balanced agreement, now let’s focus on enforcement European Labour Authority: towards more convergence in EU social legislation Better coordination of social security systems: 12 points-plan of construction SMEs and craftsmen EBC Position on the Revision of Regulations 883/2004 and 987/2009 on the coordination of social security systems A toolkit to tackle undeclared work in the construction sector Coordination of social security systems: Construction SMEs and Craftsmen welcome MEP Balas’ report Posting of Workers Directive: Construction SMEs need a level-playing field Top moments from the Seminar on the Revision of the Posting of Workers Directive Successful event on the Posting of Workers Directive EBC President to attend a seminar on the Revision of the Posting of Workers Directive EBC President votes in favour of better rules on posted workers in the EESC Small and medium construction companies ask for the revision to stop unfair competition in the Internal Market EBC briefing on posted workers – Rules need to be revised to stop unfair competition in the Internal Market Construction SMEs make proposals to improve revision of posted workers legislation EBC position paper on the revision of the posted workers directive Boosting growth whilst supporting the social dimension of the EU discussed at the Labour Festival The construction sector doesn’t need a Services Passport Still no agreement between the European construction social partners about posted workers EPSCO Council: Posting of workers should be based on fair competition EPSCO Council: EBC President’s speech on posting of workers Posting of Workers: European small construction entrepreneurs welcome revision Social Dumping: EBC supports report by MEP Guillaume Balas EBC participates in the event on “Fair mobility in the construction sector” EBC talks about Labour Mobility at a European Policy Centre workshop European construction SMEs to strengthen their voice in Brussels Posting of workers – EU Construction SMEs write to Commissioner Thyssen EBC open letter to Commissioner Thyssen about posting of workers UEAPME Construction Forum’s letter on SUP to raise concerns about social dumping Improving posted workers’ conditions and fair competition in the Internal Market Services Directive in the construction sector to be assessed Posting of Workers: Construction SMEs back the agreement Posting of Workers Enforcement Directive – Construction SMEs ask for a database for subcontractors’ liability Position for the trialogue negotiations on the Posting of Workers Enforcement Directive How to combine internal market freedoms and an appropriate level playing field in the European construction sector? Category: Late payments Late Payment: ECJ considers Member States have to guarantee timely payment by public authorities EBC Position paper on the Late Payment Directive EBC calls for a recast of the 2011 Late Payment Directive OECD Forum on public procurement for SMEs: a better implementation of the EU Directive is needed New European Commission study on late payment practices EBC welcomes Commission’s “zero tolerance” against late payments Late Payments Directive: results of the evaluation presented First scrutiny session in IMCO on late payments Late payments: SMEs should not be used as banks anymore! Commission initiative against late payments in Italy is welcome Letter for the plenary vote on the Late Payment Directive proposal Position paper on the Late Payment Directive proposal Category: Public procurement Category: Renewable energies Category: Skills Category: Small Business Act Category: SME Angle Category: SME representation (SBS) Category: Social Dialogue Category: Sustainable buildings Category: Position papers Construction 2050 paper: Building tomorrow’s Europe today EBC position on Recommendation 2003/361/EC concerning the definition of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises EBC’s policy recommendations on apprenticeship in construction Open letter on the Services Passport SBS Position paper on the Quality Initiative on Construction Standardisation SBS position paper on Building Information Modelling (BIM) SBS analysis: Guide 17 snapshot Letter on the consultation on sustainable buildings Public Procurement Directive – Assessment of the final trilogue agreement Position on the trialogue negotiations for the public procurement directive Reply to the consultation on the top 10 most burdensome acts for SMEs Position paper on the Public Procurement Directive proposal Analysis note on the proposal for a directive on public procurement Construction forum position on the Renewable Energy Directive proposal Category: Press release Construction Industry and Material Producers join forces for better standardisation Standardisation – European Economic and Social Committee votes for inclusiveness Better Regulation Package: construction SMEs welcome cutting red tape but say no to deregulation EBC Annual Congress – Construction SMEs as drivers of sustainable economic growth in Europe Construction SMEs hope for more effective measures from the European parties Category: Projects Category: BIM-SPEED BIM Today: Boosting energy efficiency through BIM-SPEED Category: BIM4Ren Category: CONDAP CONDAP project: three learning units identified for construction mentors CONDAP project: new website & second partners meeting CONDAP Project – Which digital skills are most needed by construction mentors? Improving the digital skills of construction mentors: new Erasmus+ project CONDAP Category: Construction Blueprint Construction Blueprint: launch of the website in Rome BIM today article on Construction Blueprint Construction Blueprint: a massive sectoral alliance to develop a new European strategy for skills Category: DigiPlace BIM Today article on DigiPLACE Category: NETconVET Final NETconVET meeting in Madrid 4th NETconVET project meeting in Düsseldorf Category: Publication European Alliance for Apprenticeship – EBC pledge Category: The Construction Voice
