The workings of the Services Directive in the construction sector

The EU should gradually converge towards mutual recognition on a market-by-market basis. Society in general and the construction sector in particular would benefit from a coherent EU-wide strategy to combat international fraud networks. It has become urgent to agree on common definitions at the European level – this is a real challenge, especially with a view to solving long-standing problems.

To achieve this objective, a number of steps need to be taken: European minimum standards for inspection services, a European compendium of tax and social concepts and a European social security number should all be adopted.

Challenges cannot be properly addressed without institutional strength, ownership and correct implementation, as well as homogeneous social legislation. Concerning the construction sector, we can highlight the following 10 key findings based on the contributions submitted by the relevant civil society organisations: 1 The principle of the country of destination should apply across the board ; 2 Competition must be based on quality and a level playing field and not on “social dumping”; 3 The Single Market rules must be correctly transposed and implemented across the board ; 4 To achieve a truly common approach and coherence, we need common concepts and definitions; 5 Efficient and effective cooperation between national authorities is crucial; 6 Preserving the European Social Model is vital if we want public support and acceptance; 7 The card system seems to open practical and practicable options for better monitoring; 8 Institutional strength and the appropriate firmness in applying rules and checks as well as higher fines; 9 Genuine cooperation between public authorities and social partners is good governance; 10 The principle of subsidiarity must apply, so that Member States can use specific monitoring tools