Economic focus for FIEC 'manifesto'

The European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC) has released a ‘manifesto' ahead of the 4-7 June European Parliament Elections, proposing responses to the global economic downturn and measures to ensure the susttainable growth of the European construction sector.

There are 10 key messages presented in the manifesto including the need for speeding up decision making and implementation of projects already in the pipeline, and investing in the renovation of Europe's building stock to boost energy efficiency and minimise climate change. Reducing dependency on imported energy and creating new skilled construction jobs also forms part of FIEC's vision.

Other points outlined in the manifesto include, streamlining planning and procurement procedures and cutting undue red tape to ensure projects are started as soon as possible, turning commitments into action, ensuring timely payment by clients, in particular in the public sector, and encouraging access to lending for viable companies, especially SMEs.

Dirk Cordeel, FIEC president said, "In 2008 the construction industry represented 10,4 % of the EU economy and nearly 3 million enterprises, most of which were SMEs, which provided jobs to 16,3 million workers, without counting the indirect jobs generated in related sectors.

"The construction industry can provide short and longer term solutions to the current economic downturn and therefore set the basis for future growth and competitiveness of the EU economy and employment," he added.