This Week in Construction & Housing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission issues housing affordability recommendation; new anti-dumping surveillance for titanium dioxide; amendments to deforestation regulation; €489m aid proposal for storm recovery.
September 14, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Commission issues housing affordability recommendation; new anti-dumping surveillance for titanium dioxide; amendments to deforestation regulation; €489m aid proposal for storm recovery.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission proposes €489 million from EU Solidarity Fund for storm recovery in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Malta
On 16 September 2026, the European Commission proposed mobilising €489 million from the European Union Solidarity Fund to assist Portugal, Spain, Italy and Malta in recovering from severe storms and flooding earlier in the year. The proposal includes payments of €261 million for Portugal, €149 million for Spain, €74.8 million for Italy, and €3.72 million for Malta to support emergency operations including rebuilding transport infrastructure and restoring essential services. Advances have already been paid to Portugal (€65.37 million), Spain (€37.26 million), and Malta (€931,014). The Commission's proposal requires approval from the European Parliament and the Council before the remaining €385.6 million can be disbursed. The EU Solidarity Fund operates as part of the Solidarity and Emergency Aid Reserve, offering support outside normal budgetary limits. Raffaele Fitto, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, commented on the unwavering solidarity following these disasters.
Commission publishes Q&A on Fair Labour Mobility Package
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission released a detailed Q&A on its Fair Labour Mobility Package. The package introduces digitalisation of social security and qualification documents via the EU Digital Identity Wallet, easing cross-border checks for workers and employers. The European Social Security Pass (ESSPASS) is expected to reduce paperwork and improve legal certainty for businesses, especially in construction and services sectors. Recognition of professional qualifications across EU borders will be accelerated, with processing times reduced from four months to eleven weeks. The strengthened mandate for the European Labour Authority (ELA) will expand its role in enforcement, including support for cross-border inspections and dispute mediation relating to posted workers. The initiative incorporates common rules for recognising qualifications of non-EU nationals and aims to facilitate recruitment and reduce fraud.
Commission adopts legislative package to strengthen fair labour mobility
On 14 September 2026, the European Commission adopted the Fair Labour Mobility package, including five legislative proposals to enhance portability of social rights and recognition of qualifications across Member States. Key elements include a Regulation establishing the European Social Security Pass, the Skills Portability Act, a Regulation to strengthen the European Labour Authority, an amending Directive on professional qualifications, and a Directive on qualifications of third-country nationals. The package is designed to accelerate digitalisation of documents, improve fraud prevention, and streamline administrative cooperation. The Commission anticipates €6 billion in savings by 2040 through faster procedures and real-time verification. President Ursula von der Leyen and Commissioners Roxana Mînzatu and Magnus Brunner underscored the package’s role in supporting labour mobility, skills recognition and tackling abusive practices.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/2069 on housing affordability and supply in areas under housing stress
On 15 September 2026, the Commission issued Recommendation (EU) 2026/2069 addressing housing affordability and supply in regions experiencing housing stress. The Recommendation outlines guidance for Member States to implement housing acceleration plans, streamline permitting and procurement, and expand affordable and social housing. It references coordination with ongoing EU policies, including Directive (EU) 2024/1275, Regulation (EU) 2024/1679, and Decision (EU) 2025/2630. Emphasis is placed on modern construction methods, regulatory adaptation, and integration of digital workflows in permitting processes.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2064 amending anti-dumping duty and surveillance for titanium dioxide imports
Published on 18 September 2026, Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2064 amends Regulation (EU) 2025/4 by introducing new TARIC codes for UK producers of titanium dioxide, including Tioxide Materials Ltd and Tronox Pigments UK Limited. Imports under these codes will be subject to surveillance to monitor statistical trends and ensure anti-dumping measures are not circumvented. The Regulation follows the LB Group's acquisition of UK assets from Venator Materials, with the Commission reserving the right to investigate potential circumvention.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102 amending Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 on deforestation-related commodities
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/2102, published 17 September 2026, updates the list of relevant commodities and products under Regulation (EU) 2023/1115 to clarify scope and add technical fixes. Amendments include changes to HS codes for cattle, coffee, palm oil derivatives, and rubber, and exclude certain products such as hides, skins, leather, and retreaded tyres. The Regulation aims to improve legal certainty and avoid relocation of deforestation risk, with entry into force the day after publication.
EU Council
Eurogroup discusses productivity and growth in euro area
On 18 September 2026, ministers at the Eurogroup reviewed recent economic developments and prospects, focusing on productivity and growth within the euro area.
Economic and Financial Affairs Council holds informal meeting
On 18 September 2026, economic and financial affairs ministers convened for an informal ECOFIN meeting.
