Concrete perspectives December 2012
CONSTRUCTION SECTOR
In the construction sector, the seasonally adjusted production fell by 1.6% in the euro area2(EA17), while it rose by 1.6% in the EU27 in October 2012, compared with the previous month, according to first estimates released by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union. The largest decreases were registered in Slovenia (-21.1%) and the highest increases in the United Kingdom (+11.7%).
LIVE FROM THE EUROPEAN UNION
Seventh action programme for the environment
On 17 December 2012, Member States’ environmental ministers met in the framework of the Energy Council in Brussels. The ministers discussed the proposition of the European Commission for Seventh action programme for the environment. The Council welcomed the proposal and found that it offers an appropriate framework to address existing and future environmental challenges.However, it is still not sure whether the Council will give its green light to the proposal, because several member states seek clarifications, target figures and a more precise calendar. Some targets, such as the phase-out of disposal of waste through landfill, are said to be unrealistic by some delegations (Croatia, Lithuania, Latvia and Malta).Background paper – Council of the European Union
Better access to finance by innovative SMEs and social businessesIn the final month of the Cyprus Presidency, the the Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper 1) approved the political agreement with the European Parliament on the European Venture Capital Funds Regulation – EuVECA and on the European Social Entrepreneurship Funds Regulation – EuSEF. As part of the Single Market Act, these regulations aimed at boosting growth and strengthen citizens’ confidence in the EU Single Market. EuVECA and EuSEF are the two new labels for European funds and they will make it easier for investors to identify funds which will be financing businesses that address social objectives as their corporate aim, as well as funds that commit to finance innovative SMEs.
For the Regulations to enter into force, the formal approval by the Council and the European Parliament is still needed.
Timetable:
Early 2013: plenary vote in the European Parliament.
Cyprus Presidency – Press Release
European Construction Information Forum
On 7 December 2012, the European Commission launched the CrIP (European Construction Information Platform) collecting all the relevant documents issued by European Institutions and Bodies. The aim of the platform is enhance the international competitiveness of the European construction sector on international markets, with the main goal of creating a world-competitive European economy.
The CrIP website is working as an info point, which helps construction companies to adapt to new challenges and to be aware and take up new work methods, innovation and legislation. The Platform is available in nine different European languages and offers the possibility to upload documents as well.
The European Construction Information Platform – Website
NEWS IN BRIEF
According to the estimates of Eurostat, the Statistical Office of the European Union, the industrial producer price index rose by 0.1% in both the euro area (EA17) and the EU27 in October 2012, compared with September 2012.
Eurostat figures shows, that the seasonally adjusted industrial production fell by 1.4% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.0% in the EU27 in October compared with September 2012. The largest decreases were registered in Estonia (-5.3%) while the highest increases in Portugal (+4.8%).
In October 2012 compared with September 2012, the volume of retail trade fell by 1.2% in the euro area (EA17) and by 1.1% in the EU27, according to estimates from Eurostat. The largest decreases were observed in Portugal (-4.5%) and the highest increases in Ireland (+1.9%).
Eurostat released figures for second estimates for the third quarter of EU GDP. The GDP fell by 0.1% in the euro area (EA17) and increased by 0.1% in the EU27 during the third quarter of 2012, compared with the previous quarter. During the third quarter of 2012, household final consumption expenditure remained stable in the euro area and increased by 0.1% in the EU27.
According to the figures released by Eurostat, the unemployment rate increased by 0.2% in both the euro area (EA17) and the EU27 in the third quarter of 2012 compared with the previous quarter.
From 1st January 2013, new EU VAT rules enter into effect, which will simplify the daily business European enterprises. Member States will be allowed to offer a cash accounting option to small businesses with a turnover less than €2 million a year and electronic invoicing has to be treated the same as paper invoicing.
European Commission – Press Release
NATIONAL AWARD WINNERSNorwegian Concrete prize – Vulcan
The Vulcan industrial district developed into a modern area with offices and shops achieving an energy class “A” while apartments achieving energy class “B”. Historical and new buildings are built side-by-side, modern buildings well adapted to the old industrial buildings in terms of proportions, geometry and colours.
The Vulcan project adopted new materials and product utilizes fibre concrete in a unique way which resulted in a significant reduction in material use. Facades are exciting formed where all transitions are carefully thoughtful and precisely designed.
Please find more information on the architect here.
AGENDA
JANUARY
10-11 January 2013
SAFECLADDING meeting
Düsseldorf, Germany
18 January 2013
ECP – Health, Environment & Hygiene
Brussels, Belgium
22 January 2012
BIBM Board meeting
Brussels, Belgium
25 January 2012
CEN/TC 104/SC 1/TG 20 Product category rules for concrete
Paris, France
28 January 2013
European Construction Forum
Brussels, Belgium
30 January 2013
BIBM Environment Commission
Brussels, Belgium
31 January 2013
ECP Board
Brussels, Belgium
FEBRUARY
4 February 2013
BIBM Communication Commission
Ulm, Germany
5-7 February 2013
BetonTage Conference
Ulm, Germany
19 February 2013
BIBM Technical Commission
Brussels, Belgium
20-21 February 2013
CEN/TC 104/SC 1
tbd
21-22 February 2013
CEN/TC 104
tbd
26 February 2013
CEPMC Sustainability Committee
Brussels, Belgium
27 February 2013
CEPMC CPR Committee
Brussels, Belgium
28 February 2013
CEPMC Executive Board
Brussels, Belgium
MARCH
5 March 2013
BIBM PG Wastewater Engineering
Brussels, Belgium
27 March 2013
European Construction Forum
Brussels, Belgium