"The 2026–2028 period will be a decisive phase for FIEC, as it coincides with the operational core of the European legislative cycle, when the European Commission’s political priorities are translated into concrete legislation and policy measures. It is during this period that the regulatory framework, financial instruments and market conditions that will shape the construction sector for the coming decade will be defined.
At this crucial stage, as negotiations progress within the European Parliament and the Council and political alliances take shape, FIEC’s role becomes even more important. By representing the interests of the European construction industry before the EU institutions, FIEC helps ensure that the sector’s priorities are fully reflected in European policies. In the context of the 2024–2029 legislative term, this mission is reinforced by the growing focus on competitiveness, strategic autonomy and decarbonisation.
A key challenge during this period will be the negotiations on the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), which will determine the scale and direction of European public investment. The MFF is of fundamental importance for the construction industry, as it influences investment in infrastructure, housing, water systems, workforce development and the built environment. By directing funding towards priorities such as housing, the energy transition, mobility, territorial cohesion and industrial resilience, it will shape construction activity across Europe for many years.
In this context, it is essential to recognise the strategic role of the construction industry in delivering the European Union’s objectives.
Construction is not only a sector that must decarbonise; it is also one of the main drivers of the decarbonisation of the wider European economy. Improving the energy performance of buildings and infrastructure offers one of the greatest opportunities for reducing emissions, provided that these efforts are backed by adequate financial support and that it does not affect the competitiveness of our companies.
The construction sector is also essential for strengthening Europe’s energy sovereignty and economic competitiveness through the development of efficient energy infrastructure and the expansion of clean and smart mobility networks. At the same time, the transition must encompass the entire value chain, including key construction materials such as cement and steel.
Beyond its environmental contribution, construction is a major enabler of industrial competitiveness. By providing the infrastructure, buildings and productive capacity needed for economic activity, it supports reindustrialisation, innovation and sustainable growth across the European economy.
The construction industry is also a cornerstone of European sovereignty and resilience. In an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment, robust infrastructure and strong industrial capabilities are indispensable for the Union’s strategic autonomy and security. For this reason, construction should be recognised as a truly strategic sector.
At the same time, the industry has a direct impact on the daily lives of European citizens. In particular, access to affordable, sustainable and high-quality housing is one of Europe's most pressing social and economic challenges. The sector is essential to increasing housing supply, renovating the existing building stock and improving energy efficiency. By investing in construction, Europe invests in local employment, social cohesion, economic growth and a better quality of life for its citizens.
European sectoral social dialogue remains equally important. It helps strike the right balance between protecting workers and maintaining business competitiveness, while supporting the profound transformations affecting the construction industry.
These challenges must always be addressed with the specific structure of our sector in mind. As the vast majority of construction companies are SMEs, their needs and realities must remain at the centre of European policymaking.
You can count on my full commitment to defending the interests of our industry and ensuring that FIEC continues to speak with a strong, united and credible voice. Together with the members of the Steering Committee and the FIEC team, I will work to represent the interests of our member federations and the companies they represent, particularly at a time when the European Commission is preparing major legislative initiatives affecting our sector, including public procurement, the Circular Economy Act, the Construction Services Act, workers mobility and quality jobs."
