European construction associations and the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) made separate calls on Tuesday 16 June to Heads of State and Government to take account of the difficulties caused by the Covid-19 health crisis in their respective sectors.
The construction sector (EFBWW, FIEC, EBC, CPE, Housing Europe, UIPI, EuroACE) is therefore calling for the prompt adoption by the Member States of the European Commission’s proposals. To this end, it is calling for decisions to be taken by accelerated procedures, the application of “adequate” environmental and social criteria, and the systematic rejection of “abnormally” low bids in public procurement contracts, as well as the introduction of flexible fiscal and budgetary rules at the European level to enable public authorities to be the driving force behind these investment programmes. Finally, it is insisting on the involvement of national and European social partners in the plan’s implementation.
For its part, the automotive sector is calling for demand-led recovery strategies to accelerate the “rejuvenation” of the vehicle fleet and ultimately to reduce carbon and pollutant emissions. As such, it is concerned about the timetable, fearing that the implementation of the plan will take far too long, but also about the lack of ambition displayed in the recovery plan with regard to the electricity recharging infrastructure (the plan provides for 1 million recharging points) to allow the development of electromobility. Finally, the industry says it is unable to meet future regulatory standards due to the pandemic and is hoping for regulatory “adjustments”.
To view the letter from the construction sector: https://bit.ly/30SUNkO
To read the letter from the automotive sector: https://bit.ly/2BfRvgI (Original version in French by Pascal Hansens)