This Week in Construction & Housing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission awards New European Bauhaus Prizes; Council to adopt recommendation on housing exclusion; Regulation 2026/2270 corrects ferro-alloying import quotas.
October 12, 2026 to October 18, 2026
Commission awards New European Bauhaus Prizes; Council to adopt recommendation on housing exclusion; Regulation 2026/2270 corrects ferro-alloying import quotas.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission awards 2026 New European Bauhaus Prizes for sustainable, inclusive and beautiful projects
The European Commission awarded the 2026 New European Bauhaus (NEB) Prizes to 13 laureates from the EU, Ukraine, North Macedonia, Japan, and Brazil. The prizes recognise projects and ideas combining sustainability, inclusion, and aesthetics, with two strands for established projects and younger applicants. The 2026 edition featured a special prize for water resilience, awarded to ECO H2O from Romania. Twenty small municipalities received NEB Boost for Small Municipalities, supported by a pilot project of the European Parliament. The ceremony took place in Brussels on 15 October, attended by President Ursula von der Leyen, Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto, Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, and Marcos Ros Sempere MEP. Winners received up to €20,000 and targeted support to increase visibility.
Statement by Executive Vice-President Mînzatu ahead of the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu issued a statement noting continued housing exclusion and homelessness across Europe, referencing the recently adopted EU Anti-Poverty Strategy. The strategy aims to reduce the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion by at least 15 million by 2030. The Commission's proposal for a recommendation on fighting housing exclusion is expected to be approved by the Council soon. The European Social Fund Plus and National and Regional Partnership Plans are positioned to support member states in implementing structural reforms.
Steady progress on the One Europe, One Market roadmap
The European Commission, Parliament, and Council completed a second review of the One Europe, One Market roadmap, six months after its adoption. The review focused on enhancing competitiveness, removing barriers in the Single Market, and providing clean energy. The institutions reaffirmed their commitment to delivering legislative priorities outlined in the roadmap. President Ursula von der Leyen emphasised the goal of completing the Single Market by the end of 2027. The review also highlighted the social dimension, aiming for a fairer and more inclusive Europe.
Commissioners Kubilius and Lahbib strengthen global disaster risk management through space technologies
Commissioners Andrius Kubilius and Hadja Lahbib convened the first cross-regional dialogue on using space technologies for disaster risk management. The dialogue, held on the International Day for Disaster Risk Management, launched the 'Compass on Space and Disaster Risk Management' document. The event involved participants from Latin America, the Caribbean, Asia, and Africa, including UN Special Representative Kamal Kishore. The Commission highlighted the role of Copernicus, Galileo, GOVSATCOM, and the upcoming IRIS² in supporting disaster management. The discussion focused on translating satellite data into actionable information for preparedness and response.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2270 corrects quota for Malaysian ferro-alloying imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2270 of 15 October 2026 amends Regulation (EU) 2025/2351, revising the tariff-rate quota for Malaysian imports of ferro-alloying elements. The revision follows confirmation of incomplete Eurostat statistics for 2022, resulting in nearly 40,700 tonnes of imports being omitted. The corrected quota will apply retroactively from the entry into force of Regulation 2025/2351. The measure received the opinion of the Committee on Safeguards.
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2247 renews approval for cis-tricos-9-ene in biocidal products
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/2247 of 12 October 2026 renews approval for the active substance cis-tricos-9-ene in biocidal products of product-type 19 under Regulation (EU) No 528/2012. The renewal follows positive evaluation by Austria's competent authority and the Biocidal Products Committee opinion adopted on 27 November 2025. The approval is subject to specified conditions and enters into force twenty days after publication.
EU Council
Council to adopt recommendation on housing exclusion and discuss Quality Jobs Act
Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council (Employment and social policy) ministers are expected to adopt a recommendation on housing exclusion, including homelessness, on 19 October 2026. Ministers will also discuss the upcoming Quality Jobs Act and approve conclusions on equality as an economic driver.
