ZDB calls for reforms and a reduction in bureaucracy for Europe

On the occasion of the summit with European heads of state and government, the construction industry is calling for "concrete decisions on reducing bureaucracy." This, they argue, is the most effective way to accelerate construction and make it more affordable.

The European heads of state and government are meeting in Liège for a closed-door meeting to discuss Europe's competitiveness. Central Association of the German Construction Industry The German Construction Industry Association (ZDB) is calling for concrete decisions on reducing bureaucracy at the meeting. ZDB Managing Director Felix Pakleppa explains: "After years of excessive regulation, a consistent reduction of bureaucracy is the most effective way to enable the construction industry to build more cheaply and quickly again." Three European initiatives are crucial for this:

Environmental law preclusion: Acceleration without loss of quality

The construction industry welcomes the proposal for the "environmental bus" of the EU CommissionEnvironmental preclusion creates urgently needed planning and legal certainty by preventing new objections from being raised in court proceedings if they have not already been raised in the administrative process. "We need faster procedures without compromising environmental protection," said Pakleppa. "For too long, we have become accustomed to planning and approval processes that take years – especially for infrastructure projects. This cannot continue. We are blocking ourselves." The ZDB (Central Association of the German Construction Industry) appeals to the member states to support the Commission and implement the proposal swiftly.

Deforestation regulation: Permanently ensure relief for the downstream supply chain

The relief for downstream supply chains under the EU Deforestation Regulation, adopted in December 2025, was beneficial for the construction industry. "The principle that only those who first place the product on the EU market have to fulfill due diligence obligations was long overdue," explains Pakleppa. As part of the review scheduled for April 2026, he calls for this relief to be consistently continued. "Climate protection and reducing bureaucracy must be considered even more closely together."

Strengthen the lottery principle

In the revision of European procurement law, the ZDB (Central Association of the German Construction Industry) is advocating for the strengthening of the principle of awarding contracts in lots. Pakleppa: "In September 2025, the European Parliament clearly declared its support for awarding contracts in lots as the standard practice. This signal must now be translated into binding EU law. Awarding contracts in lots is what enables medium-sized construction companies, representing 99 percent of the industry, to participate in public tenders in the first place."

Furthermore, the ZDB advocates a "Buy European" strategy to strengthen resilience. "Public contracts must boost domestic value creation. But we mustn't isolate ourselves. It's crucial to reduce strategic dependencies without burdening small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with additional bureaucracy or undermining free trade agreements. The construction industry finally needs tangible relief. It's time for a spring of bold reforms with decisive measures."

Source: ZDB

DHB now also digital!Simply click here and register for the digital German Crafts Journal (DHB)!