News 2026

On 21st September, the FIEC Technical Commission (TEC) came together in Brussels for its annual high-level exchange to share highlights and achievements, discuss important policy dossiers currently affecting European contractors, and exchange views with the European Commission.

The event brought together FIEC members, representatives from the European Commission, namely Natalia Zebrowska (Head of Unit, Construction Unit), Jens Schumacher (Sector Expert, Construction Unit), and Oscar Nieto-Sanz (Sector Expert, Construction Unit), as well as Jean-Pierre Paseri (FIEC President), Ulrik Branner (FIEC Vice-President for Technical Affairs & Innovation), and Stephanos Pierides (FIEC Vice-President for Environmental Affairs & Sustainability).

The discussions were structured around the three FIEC technical sub-commissions, each addressing distinct policy areas of relevance to the construction sector.

TEC-3 "Environment" focused on EPBD implementation and infringement procedures, the Nature Restoration Law, the Environmental Omnibus on permitting simplification, the new Water Resilience Stakeholder Platform, and the forthcoming Circular Economy Act. The TEC-3 sub-commission is chaired by Kirsi Martinkauppi.

TEC-2 "Research & Innovation" reviewed progress on the FIEC whitepapers on low-carbon construction materials and industrialised construction, as well as the FIEC-CECE Joint Non-paper on robotics in construction. The TEC-2 sub-commission is chaired by Edward Woods.

TEC-1 "Standards & Quality" addressed the debate on a potential harmonisation of Ready-Mixed Concrete (EN206), building modules and kits for off-site construction, aggregates and circularity, and the forthcoming EU Product Act. The TEC-1 sub-commission is chaired by Eric Winnepenninckx.

FIEC thanks its guest speakers from the European Commission, as well as all members for their active engagement and valuable input throughout the day.