03/04/2019 (Agence Europe) – The European Builders Confederation (EBC) published its manifesto for the European elections on Wednesday 3 April. In particular, the organisation points out that the construction sector, mainly composed of SMEs, generates 9% of the EU's GDP and employs around 18 million European citizens. The organisation urges future European legislators to “Think Small First” by developing legislation and instruments focused on the needs of SMEs (especially microenterprises). In particular, the organisation proposes to reduce VAT for employment-intensive SMEs. It also suggests adopting a “holistic” approach to ensure the coherence of European policies with regard to sustainable construction and calls for European measures to make the sector more attractive to workers. Finally, it urges the establishment of an efficient control of seconded workers. To view the manifesto: https://bit.ly/2VezFQ9. (PH)