This Week in Construction & Housing — Brussels (#16, 2026)
Commission refers Greece, Malta, Portugal to CJEU over renewables directive; Parliament backs ETS2 reserve changes for buildings, transport; New EU standards for product safety published.
April 26, 2026 to May 02, 2026
Commission refers Greece, Malta, Portugal to CJEU over renewables directive; Parliament backs ETS2 reserve changes for buildings, transport; New EU standards for product safety published.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🏛️ European Parliament
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU (HOUS): On May 05, the European Parliament's Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU (HOUS) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Date of next meetings; High-Level event on the Housing crisis in the European Union, jointly organised with the Commission• See separate draft programme.
- Committee on Regional Development (REGI): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development (REGI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: Full page dump.
- Committee on Regional Development (REGI): On May 06, the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development (REGI) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Regulation (EU) No 1308/2013 as regards the school fruit, vegetables and milk scheme (‘EU school scheme’), sectoral interventions, the creation of a protein sector, requirements for hemp, the possibility for marketing standards for cheese, protein crops and meat, application of additional import duties, rules on the availability of supplies in time of emergencies and severe crisis and securities; Chair’s announcements.
European Commission
Commission refers Greece, Malta and Portugal to Court of Justice over renewable energy rules
On 28 April 2026, the European Commission announced its decision to refer Greece, Malta and Portugal to the Court of Justice of the European Union for failing to transpose Directive (EU) 2023/2413 amending Directive (EU) 2018/2001 on the promotion of energy from renewable sources. The directive sets a binding EU-level target of at least 42.5% renewable energy by 2030 and includes measures for renewables deployment in electricity, heating and cooling, transport, buildings, and industry. The deadline for transposition was 21 May 2025 for most provisions, but the three Member States did not notify any transposition measures or, in Malta's case, did not provide a correlation table. The Commission had already initiated infringement procedures against these countries in July 2025, followed by reasoned opinions in December 2025. The Commission now requests the Court to impose financial sanctions under Article 260(3) TFEU.
Commission Communication on a 'simpler, clearer and better enforced EU rulebook'
On 27 April 2026, the Commission outlined its plan for a more effective, simpler EU legislative framework. The Communication details five priority areas, including designing simpler laws, cleaning up outdated or overlapping rules, reducing 'gold-plating' by Member States, and strengthening enforcement of existing legislation. The Commission identified 12 areas—including housing and permitting—for regulatory simplification between 2026 and 2027. The initiative aims to address legislative fragmentation, improve implementation, and reduce unnecessary burdens for businesses. The Commission will also accelerate infringement actions and streamline public consultations for new rules.
Statement by President von der Leyen on EU competitiveness and energy at CDU/CSU meeting
On 26 April 2026, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed the CDU/CSU group in the German Bundestag, focusing on competitiveness, energy, and the EU single market. She cited measures to deepen the internal market, cut red tape, and develop trade relations. Von der Leyen referred to the EU’s efforts to reduce dependency on imported fossil fuels following energy crises since 2022. She highlighted the promotion of renewable energy, batteries, modern networks, and research in small modular reactors. The President also discussed the roadmap ‘One Europe, One Market’ signed with the Council and Parliament, committing to the removal of barriers in the single market by 2027.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/901 on European standards for products in support of Regulation (EU) 2023/988
On 27 April 2026, the Official Journal published Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/901, setting European standards for products to support Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety. The Decision publishes references for revised standards on gymnastic equipment, fire safety of cigarettes, and high chairs for children, and repeals Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/1698. The new standards will apply from the date of publication, with a deferred withdrawal of the old standards to allow transition for economic operators.
European Parliament
Parliament adopts position on Market Stability Reserve for buildings and road transport (ETS2)
On 29 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted its position on the proposal to amend Decision (EU) 2015/1814 regarding the market stability reserve (MSR) for the new emissions trading system for buildings and road transport (ETS2). The report, led by rapporteur Danuše Nerudová, calls for faster release of allowances in response to price spikes and proposes changes to the cancellation schedule for unused allowances. Parliament also requests a review of the €45 per tonne CO2 cap and assessment of the social impact of ETS2.
EU Council
Upcoming: Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry)
The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) is scheduled for 28 May 2026.
EP Committee Work
ENVI Committee opinion on revision of Regulation (EU) 2024/1252
On 29 April 2026, the Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI), with rapporteur Jacek OZDOBA, issued its opinion on the proposal to amend Regulation (EU) 2024/1252. The opinion addresses environmental and health considerations relevant to the regulation's proposed amendments.
What We're Reading This Week
- ‘I spent €4k on a heat pump. Here’s how much I save on energy bills': Homeowners investing in heat pumps can significantly cut energy bills, with potential savings offsetting the initial installation cost over time.
