News 2024

Download and read the new Position Paper on Housing published by FIEC, the European Construction Industry Federation.

Some press agencies (such as Agence Europe) have already posted their related news story about our position, and with special focus on latest data and figures. Our media partner Euractiv is also being promoting our paper.

Among the other key messages, you will read about our Federation’s proposals for the forthcoming "European Affordable Housing Plan". FIEC points out that the current housing crisis - which affects all EU countries - is due, amongst other factors, to high building costs, combined with a credit crunch and a heavy regulatory and administrative environment for construction companies. Interpreting affordable housing as a broad and flexible concept (which needs to take into account the national specificities), FIEC presents its proposals to boost the offer and support the demand, with “simplification” as a keyword.

FIEC calls for:

1. A coordinated approach to drive tailor-made housing-friendly reforms under the responsibility and competency of Member States.
2. The mobilisation of both private and public investment.
3. Prudential rules imposed by Basel III to be eased, in order to mobilise private investment.
4. Improved access to mortgage loans for households and young people.
5. A streamlined regulatory and administrative working environment for construction companies, with clear rules which can accelerate construction processes, lower building costs, and eventually create overall affordability.
6. Greater support to research and innovation, as well as digitalisation, through EU funds to increase the productivity of the construction industry.
7. All relevant actors to further work on raising the attractivity of the sector to tackle the shortage of skilled labour.

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  2024-12-16 FIEC Position on Housing.pdf

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