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November 2015
Keep abreast of the latest European policy developments about construction small and medium-size enterprises!
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Late Payments Directive: results of the evaluation presented
On 24 November DG GROW organised a Late Payment Expert Group meeting, in which EBC took part. The meeting presented the results of the evaluation of the Late Payments Directive, ordered by the Commission.
EBC underlined that the first priority is for Member States to fully implement the directive. EBC calls on the EC to keep applying a zero-tolerance policy on the practical results of a late payment behaviour.
In addition, EBC highlighted the necessity to apply automatic calculation and transfer of interests on late payments, because over 60% of companies in Europe do not dare ask the debtor in fear of endangering the commercial relation.
The direct payment of subcontractors would also help small companies with obtaining timely payments.
Finally, for EBC B to B derogations and the excessive use of lengthy verification procedures by public authorities need to be monitored because of their direct consequences on overdue payments.
Click here to read the executive summary of the report
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Energy Performance of Building Directive: EBC replies to the consultation
In its reply to the consultation EBC acknowledged that the Energy Performance of Building Directive (EPBD) has been key in forcing Member States to define energy efficiency objectives for new buildings. However, the current EPBD does not set any goals for the renovation of existing buildings.
The lack of information by both clients and financial institutions is still an issue and can partly explain the low renovation rates. For clients, upfront costs are a real obstacle, especially since return on investment requires a fairly long time.
To overcome this issue, EBC asked for incentive mechanisms to be strengthened. At EU and national level the legislative framework should stabilise to avoid uncertainties and fragmentation.
Finally, EBC also focused on the essential issue of training.
Click here to read the full reply to the consultation
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2015 SME Assembly on female entrepreneurship
The 2015 SME Assembly was organised in Luxembourg from 18 to 20 November by the Commission in the context of the current Presidency of the Council of the European Union. The main topic was very much in line with EBC’s focus of this year: female entrepreneurship. As is the case every year, EBC took part to put forward the key messages of European construction SMEs.
Read more
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Gypsum to Gypsum project: EBC spoke at the final conference
The Gypsum to Gypsum project (GtoG), which aims at improving the recyclability of gypsum waste, held its final conference on 17 November in Brussels. The event took place at the European Parliament and was chaired by MEP Julie Girling and Mr. Claude-Alain Tardy, the President of Eurogypsum.
Alice Franz, Energy and Environment Policy Officer at EBC, made a presentation on the solutions brought by France for the collection of construction waste for better recycling.
Click here to see the presentation
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Engaging SMEs in apprenticeships
Cedefop’s second apprenticeship conference, on 9-10 November in Thessaloniki, was addressed to a wide range of stakeholders with a role in supporting SMEs in increasing their offer on apprenticeships.
In his panel EBC Secretary General Riccardo Viaggi underlined the importance of the European Alliance for Apprenticeship and the commitment of EBC with its apprenticeship pledge. He also highlighted the need to involve social partners in order to succeed in adopting new and sounder apprenticeship systems in the EU Member States.
Finally, he presented EBC’s initiatives on the occasion of EBC 25 year anniversary to involve more women and young people in construction.
Click here for more information on the conference
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