On 11 June 2025, FIEC President, Piero Petrucco, took part in a high-level panel discussion at the Annual Conference of the European Builders Confederation (EBC). The session explored how public procurement can be reformed to better facilitate the access of small contractors, artisans, and craft businesses.
Mr Petrucco was joined by a distinguished panel including Philip van Nieuwenhuizen, President of EBC, Jean-Yves Muylle, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG GROW, and Sara Funaro, Mayor of Florence and Executive Committee Member of Eurocities.
Mr Petrucco was joined by a distinguished panel including Philip van Nieuwenhuizen, President of EBC, Jean-Yves Muylle, Head of Unit at the European Commission’s DG GROW, and Sara Funaro, Mayor of Florence and Executive Committee Member of Eurocities.
A balanced approach to procurement reform
President Petrucco highlighted the need to reduce administrative burdens, ensure proportional selection criteria, and better promote tools like the European Single Procurement Document (ESPD) and joint bidding mechanisms. He also emphasised that subcontracting and contract splitting should remain flexible tools, not rigid obligations — especially in the context of growing skills shortages and complex infrastructure needs.
Safeguarding quality and fair competition
Mr Petrucco reiterated FIEC’s support for a more value-driven procurement model, encouraging the use of qualitative criteria (such as sustainability and innovation) while warning against the risk of distorted competition from unfair third-country practices and the misuse of in-house awards.
Working towards inclusive and sustainable markets
The panel offered a constructive dialogue on how EU procurement rules can better serve a diverse business landscape. FIEC remains committed to promoting a fair, strategic, and inclusive procurement framework, ensuring that companies of all sizes can contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient Europe.