Michel Barnier in Rome with FIEC to prepare our messages to the candidates of the EU 2024 Elections
Date
15 May 2023
Sections
Global Europe
In his special address to the Conference of the European Construction Industry Federation (FIEC), former EU Commissioner, and Chief Negotiator on Brexit, illustrated how the Covid pandemic and the latest geo-political developments have impacted the EU structures and economy. With an open eye on current governance at national level, Michel Barnier looked ahead, together with FIEC and its members, and shared views on the upcoming EU 2024 elections.
Building our Campaign for the 2024 EU Elections
On 12th May, the Conference launched by FIEC, “Building our Campaign for the 2024 EU Elections”, was hosted at the Rome headquarters of the Associazione Nazionale Costruttori Edili(ANCE), the Federation’s Italian member. The event was opened by Michel Barnier - former Minister, former EU Commissioner and EU Chief Negotiator on Brexit agreements - who stressed the importance of seeking ‘’unity’’ for Europe, amongst other priorities, and presented his outlook on the forthcoming 2024 EU elections. «Due to the uncertainties and weak stability of the World - and Europe - we need to protect, consolidate, reform, improve and strengthen the Single Market, which is our main asset» - he remarked. Considering the current governance and the political developments of the Union’s Member States, he illustrated the influence that new scenarios may have on EU campaigns.
With reference to the role of FIEC, Mr. Barnier commented positively on the usefulness of «(...)being represented in Brussels, at the heart of the institutions, to coordinate, act and speak collectively at EU level and with continuity». The event combined the political, socio-economic and environmental dimensions with the entrepreneurial spirit. A specific focus was given to the challenges and opportunities of the future Cities of 2050 with a presentation of ‘’Oasis of Innovation’’, a concept developed by Miloslavsky Architects, combining breakthrough technology, sustainable resources, materials, business models and management methods to build smart cites in the desert. «In our future cities, we must develop unique building typologies, community and connections between the people and their environment» - explained Aynav Ziv, Head of the International Department.
This Conference was a one-in-a-kind opportunity to benefit from the presence of the key representatives of our member federations, to identify the main issues, recommendations and demands that FIEC would like to put forward to the candidates of the forthcoming EU elections in 2024. In his closing remarks, FIEC President, Philip Crampton, stressed that «during the current mandate, the European Commission and the other Institutions have defined the framework and set the basis for a decarbonised Europe by 2050. It is now time to implement such transition and the construction industry has a key role to play in this plan». The event was also an occasion to celebrate the Honorary Presidencies of Luisa Todini (Italy) & Thomas Bauer (Germany) who received 2 silver plates handed by FIEC President and ANCE President, Federica Brancaccio. «We pay this tribute to two VIPs of the construction industry to thank them for their unfailing commitment over the years spent with FIEC», announced Philip Crampton during the ceremony held in the festive setting of Terrazza Caffarelli. Furthermore, FIEC hosted on stage a keynote address by Andrea Tobia Zevi, Member of the Rome Council, and passed a message sent by Antonio Tajani, Italy’s Deputy PM, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and former President of the European Parliament.