Pan-European move

CECE covers all of the EC and is pushing hard for further investment in infrastructure construction as a means to revitalise the economy. “Our industry looks forward to the implementation of the right policies and incentives to nurture sustainable growth and jobs”, said Ralf Wezel, CECE secretary general. CECE and the European contractor’s association FIEC believe that investment in transport is essential for growth and jobs. To strengthen European competitiveness, delivery of this much needed investment mu
July 19, 2012 Read time: 3 mins

CECE covers all of the EC and is pushing hard for further investment in infrastructure construction as a means to revitalise the economy. “Our industry looks forward to the implementation of the right policies and incentives to nurture sustainable growth and jobs”, said Ralf Wezel, CECE secretary general.

3399 CECE and the European contractor’s association FIEC believe that investment in transport is essential for growth and jobs.

To strengthen European competitiveness, delivery of this much needed investment must no longer be delayed. The FIEC and CECE are looking ahead to the legislative procedures on the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the revision of the Trans-European infrastructure, both currently under discussion.

MEP Dominique Riquet, co-rapporteur of the leading European Parliament Committee TRAN, confirmed that “CEF is one of the most relevant tools we have in the current debate between stability and growth. It has a potential for creating jobs in the industries related to infrastructure building and operation. Well-functioning networks are also an asset for the rest of the economy and help the machinery industry to develop innovative products while raising the competitiveness of the EU as a whole.”

The chairman of FIEC’s Working Group on PPPs and Concessions, Vincent Piron, stated that the construction industry strongly supports the Commission’s financial proposal amounting to €50 billion for 2014-2020. Moreover, he stressed, “This amount is the bare minimum and must not be cut in the negotiations on the future EU financial perspective for 2014-2020 as has been the case in the past.”

Both CECE and FIEC agree on the urgency of securing proper levels of public investment from national and local budgets, which should be backed by the earmarking of revenues a strong European regional policy and an ambitious lending policy from the 1054 European Investment Bank.

Wezel said that CECE and FIEC are both calling for a healthy balance between public and private investment in this field. He said, “Innovative financial instruments proposed by the Commission, such as Project Bonds, are welcome but, given restricted access to credit, they cannot replace an effective policy of long-term public investment.”

FIEC director general Ulrich Paetzold added, “Several major infrastructure projects have been cancelled or delayed, with the risk to Europe’s future competiveness and standard of living”. He continued, “As a result of the crisis, fiscal consolidation is necessary however this should not negatively impact on infrastructure investment in the discussions on the next EU multi-annual financial framework. Rekindling growth in Europe will only come with a coherent vision for long term investment in vital infrastructure.”

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • European equipment sales up 15% in 2017, according to the CECE
    June 15, 2018
    European construction sales grew by 15% in 2017, according to the Annual Economic Report 2018* from the CECE After a strong first quarter, growth slowed in Q2, before rising in Q3 and Q4, according to the CECE - Committee for European Construction Equipment. Current levels of sales are on par with the levels seen in 2006 and 2008, but the industry is still 20% below the 2007 peak.
    Read More
  • Importance of continued transportation investment
    May 2, 2012
    The US infrastructure network requires urgent attention - * T Peter Ruane. America's transportation infrastructure was once the "shining light on top of the hill." Major investments in a national highway, bridge, transit, airport, port and waterway system during the 20th century paid great dividends. The free and efficient flow of goods and people across the 50 states led to unparalleled economic expansion. The mobility and prosperity resulting from an interconnected infrastructure was a model for the world
    Read More
  • Photovoltaic finish to road noise pollution
    January 2, 2013
    Patrizia Bellucci from the Research and New Technologies Division of ANAS, in Rome introduces a sustainable approach to road noise abatement Traffic noise has been recognised by the World Health Organization as a major factor contributing to environmental pollution. Besides causing annoyance, it has significant negative health impacts on populations living close to road infrastructure. In 2002, to help counter this state of affairs, the European Parliament and Council adopted Directive 2002/49/EC relating t
    Read More
  • ERF and Greek associations team up for road safety event in Athens
    March 12, 2015
    The ERF has teamed up with the Greek road safety associations to organise the Technical Conference on Road Infrastructure Safety Equipment in Athens this month. The financial crisis took its toll on Greek infrastructure development and by 2011 the government had frozen key motorway projects aimed at completing the Greek Trans-European Road Network. But following lengthy negotiations between Greek authorities, financial institutions and the European Commission, a deal was struck in 2014 to re-launch these im
    Read More

Highlighted Content