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Constructions
Objectives of the European construction observatory
The European Construction Sector Observatory (ECSO), under the COSME initiative, plays a pivotal role in the EU construction sector. It conducts regular analyses and comparative assessments in all 27 EU countries and the UK, providing vital information to European policymakers and stakeholders about market conditions and policy developments.
Significance of the Construction Sector in the EU
The construction sector is a major contributor to the EU economy, accounting for approximately 9% of the EU's GDP, 18 million direct jobs, and 3 million enterprises. Recognizing its importance, the European Commission adopted the 'Construction 2020' action plan in July 2012. This comprehensive plan aims to:
Construction 2020 Initiatives
The plan emphasizes investment in building renovation, particularly for energy efficiency, and the development and maintenance of infrastructure. It addresses challenges such as the shortage of qualified workers, the sector's appeal to youth, and workforce ageing. Measures to improve the internal market's functioning, particularly through administrative simplification and regulatory coherence, are also included. Additionally, it encourages the internationalization of construction SMEs and the EU construction sector's engagement in international trade negotiations.
Role of the ECSO
The ECSO serves as a comprehensive repository of information on market trends, industry developments, policy impacts, and analytical support, in alignment with the Construction 2020 themes. It supports mutual learning and best practice exchange among EU countries and stakeholders, focusing on policy measure definition, implementation, monitoring, and impact assessment.
The Observatory's objectives include:
As a complementary tool to existing international, European, and national instruments like EUROSTAT and AMECO, the Observatory enhances strategic decision-making in the EU construction sector.
Significance of the Construction Sector in the EU
The construction sector is a major contributor to the EU economy, accounting for approximately 9% of the EU's GDP, 18 million direct jobs, and 3 million enterprises. Recognizing its importance, the European Commission adopted the 'Construction 2020' action plan in July 2012. This comprehensive plan aims to:
- Stimulate favourable investment conditions.
- Enhance the human-capital foundation of the construction sector.
- Improve resource efficiency and environmental performance.
- Strengthen the internal market for construction.
- Boost the global competitiveness of EU construction enterprises.
Construction 2020 Initiatives
The plan emphasizes investment in building renovation, particularly for energy efficiency, and the development and maintenance of infrastructure. It addresses challenges such as the shortage of qualified workers, the sector's appeal to youth, and workforce ageing. Measures to improve the internal market's functioning, particularly through administrative simplification and regulatory coherence, are also included. Additionally, it encourages the internationalization of construction SMEs and the EU construction sector's engagement in international trade negotiations.
Role of the ECSO
The ECSO serves as a comprehensive repository of information on market trends, industry developments, policy impacts, and analytical support, in alignment with the Construction 2020 themes. It supports mutual learning and best practice exchange among EU countries and stakeholders, focusing on policy measure definition, implementation, monitoring, and impact assessment.
The Observatory's objectives include:
- Monitoring market conditions and trends, as well as strategies and progress towards the five priorities of Construction 2020.
- Encouraging knowledge sharing and the replication of good practices.
- Raising awareness of policy measures and initiatives impacting the construction value chain.
As a complementary tool to existing international, European, and national instruments like EUROSTAT and AMECO, the Observatory enhances strategic decision-making in the EU construction sector.