After considerable discussion during the weeks since the extensive Clean Energy Package was published, FIEC has released its formal position on the overall package, with a position on the proposal to revise the Energy Performance in Buildings Directive (EPBD) expected later this week. The Federation supports the headline target for energy efficiency and in particular applauds the targeted financial instruments and the new focus on incremental innovation. Although there is still a long road ahead, FIEC hopes the package will improve building renovation rates throughout the EU and raise awareness of effective energy efficiency measures. 

According to a recent ILO (International Labour Organisation) report, in cooperation with the European Commission, Social Dialogue plays a key role in reducing inequality. The report explains how EU countries with collective bargaining systems have been successful in preventing the growth of inequality in the labour market, while the erosion of collective bargaining in other EU countries has led to an increased number of low-paid jobs or increasing inequality among the workforce. The report goes beyond unequal pay, to address also other types of inequality such as inequality in working time, access to jobs, training and career opportunities and access to social protection and/or pensions.