Archive
Construction products: harmonised conditions for the marketing (repeal. Directive 89/106/EEC)
EU-Parliament adopts Commissions´ proposal for a new Construction Products Regulation on April 24th 2009. In order to promote better circulation and better use of building products used in the EU for construction or renovation work, the Commission presented a new regulation aimed at establishing a common technical language and clarifying the conditions for access to EC marking. Furthermore, Parliament has introduced the possibility of creating new assessment criteria that are not technical but which allow performance relating to questions of general interest to be calculated, such as the environment, security or health risks for users. These objectives were supported by a large majority of the House. Up to now, the council was unable to reach a common position on this issue. As a result, work will continue with the Parliament and the rotating EU presidency held by Sweden.
Study for the Development of European Ecolabel
In April 2008 the European Commission had commissioned a study to the Italian Agency for the Protection of the Environment and for Technical Service (APAT). The main aim is to define and display standards to develop a voluntary eco-label. The study contains an updating on the market analysis on the building sector and a first investigation on the most relevant topics insisting amongst criteria of existing eco-labels e. g. BREEAM or klima:aktiv. Steps to be taken are finding product groups definitions and considering possible negative environmental impacts of a building. A final report of the development of European sustainability criteria for building is scheduled by December 2009. Commission is reluctant in view of two background reports so the development of such a label on the European level is unlikely.
European Commission fights late payments
Based on the Small Business Act, the Commission suggested on 1 April 2009 a new policy approach to tacke the situation on late payments an proposes substantial changes to the late payment directive of 2008. The Proposal for a Directive of the on combating late payment in commercial transactions (COM(2009) 126/4 is one of the topics of the common ECEC/ECCE working group on Small Business Act.
Erasmus for young Entrepreneurs
Erasmus for young Entrepreneurs is a new European exchange programme that helps new entrepreneurs to develop relevant skills for managing an SME by spending time working in another EU country with an experienced entrepreneur. It helps young entrepreneurs access new markets and find potential business partners. It also boosts networking opportunities between business people and SMEs. Experienced entrepreneurs will benefit from the programme by gaining new commercial relations and finding out more about opportunities in another EU country through young entrepreneurs.
Code of Conduct for professional recognition
The Code of Conduct for professional recognition was approved by the group of coordinators for the Directive 2005/36 EC. The Code is a "manual" for the national competent authorities handling registration issues.
Presidents meeting of the European Engineering organisations
The European Engineering organisations implemented regular exchange meetings to coordinate their work. The last meeting took place in Brussels in February 2009 and was organised by EFCA.
ECEC General Assembly 2008 in Hamburg
ECEC General Assembly 2007 in Zagreb
ECEC General Assembly 2006 in Rome