This Week in Construction & Housing — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission statement on workplace safety; EU anti-dumping investigation in glass-fibre mesh; State aid ruling for French archaeology sector; Steel safeguard measures regulation; Temporary protection for displaced persons extended.
August 03, 2026 to August 09, 2026
Commission statement on workplace safety; EU anti-dumping investigation in glass-fibre mesh; State aid ruling for French archaeology sector; Steel safeguard measures regulation; Temporary protection for displaced persons extended.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
European Commission
Commission proposes European Day in Remembrance of Victims of Accidents at Work
On August 6, 2026, Executive Vice-President Mînzatu issued a statement proposing the establishment of an annual European Day in Remembrance of Victims of Accidents at Work, to be observed on August 8 in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the Marcinelle tragedy, in which 262 workers lost their lives at the Bois du Cazier coal mine in Belgium. The proposal responds to calls from the European Parliament and several Member States. The initiative aims to reinforce commitments to workplace accident prevention and align with the EU strategic framework for health and safety at work. This framework focuses on managing change in the workplace, updating rules on hazardous chemicals, and adopting a ‘vision zero’ approach to eliminate work-related deaths across the EU.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission launches anti-dumping circumvention investigation on glass-fibre mesh imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1925, adopted on August 6, 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1925), initiates an investigation into possible circumvention of the anti-dumping measures imposed by Regulation (EU) 2024/357 on imports of certain open mesh fabrics of glass fibres originating in China. The investigation covers imports consigned from Kosovo, Moldova, North Macedonia, and Serbia, whether or not declared as originating from those countries. Imports are now subject to registration under Article 14(5) of Regulation (EU) 2016/1036. The investigation will conclude within nine months of entry into force.
Commission Decision on State aid for French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (INRAP)
Commission Decision (EU) 2026/1875 of December 17, 2025 (CELEX: 32026D1875) rules on State aid SA.51268 implemented by France for INRAP. The decision finds that subsidies for public service costs and potential cross-subsidisation between INRAP’s competitive and non-competitive activities constitute State aid under Article 107(1) TFEU. After a formal investigation procedure and consideration of comments from France and EVEHA, the Commission concludes the aid is compatible with the internal market under Article 107(3)(d) TFEU, given its role in promoting culture and heritage conservation.
Commission Regulation implements bilateral safeguard measures for steel imports
Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2026/1930 of August 4, 2026 (CELEX: 32026R1930) enacts bilateral safeguard measures for imports of steel products covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1384 and originating in countries with EU free trade agreements. Out-of-quota imports from Albania, Israel, Jordan, Morocco, North Macedonia, Serbia, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Türkiye are subject to a 50% ad valorem duty once tariff quotas are exhausted. The Commission determined imports from North Macedonia and Serbia increased during 2023–2025, causing serious injury to EU producers, and the regulation enters into force immediately.
Council extends temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 of July 30, 2026 (CELEX: 32026D1912) extends temporary protection introduced by Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/382 until March 4, 2028. The extension covers displaced persons from Ukraine and sets new requirements for compliance with military obligations for applicants, effective July 31, 2026. The Decision aims to maintain harmonised rights and prevent overwhelming asylum systems in Member States.
EU Council
Council extends temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine
The Council adopted Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/1912 on July 30, 2026, prolonging temporary protection for displaced persons from Ukraine until March 4, 2028. The extension introduces new requirements regarding compliance with military obligations for applicants.
