In April 2010, the European Commission released its work programme for 2010 and 2011.
This work programme has several new features which distinguishes it from its predecessors. Notably, it is multi-annual which should improve predictability for the European Parliament and the European Council - as well as for stakeholders. The Commission will review its work programme every year, setting new annual strategic initiatives and adapting the multiannual strand where appropriate in the light of new circumstances, including results from preparatory work and review of implementation.
The new Commission will take action along four main strands:
- Tackling the crisis and sustaining Europe’s social market economy, notably through proposals to repair the financial markets and the five initiatives to develop the ‘Europe 2020’ strategy
- Building a citizens’ agenda which puts people at the heart of European action, among others with the revision of the working time directive
- Developing an ambitious and coherent external agenda with global outreach
- Modernising EU instruments and ways of working, with a stronger focus on smart regulation.
The table below presents the EBC position and point of view on the main legislative proposals and initiatives that are on the European Commission working programme in 2010 - and beyond - and may have an impact on our sector.
In addition to the new initiatives the Commission will propose, full alert will be kept for the second half of 2010 on several important dossiers in which EBC has long been involved, such as the late payments directive, the construction products regulation and the directive on transport workers.
Increasingly, legislation on many issues which affect people involved with the construction industry is being driven by Europe. Recognising this, the FMB became a founder member and an active voice within the European Builders Confederation, a group of national building federations representing small and medium sized building businesses among the member states of the European Union and Switzerland.
For members of the FMB, membership of the EBC is free.
For more information, visit: www.eubuilders.org
