Getting construction investments started is key when Europe wants growth, security and a fossil-free future. CEO of Rakennusteollisuus RT Aleksi Randell: "With these investments, the renewal of society and industry and hundreds of thousands of new jobs will be made possible in practice."
Traffic at the focal point in Finland
As the security situation in Europe changes, the position of the EU's eastern border states, such as Finland, is emphasized. "In this situation, it is even more important for us to strengthen connections with the West and create new ones."
- Currently, 90 percent of Finland's exports and 80 percent of imports go by sea.
- Road and rail connections to the north and thus to the west suffer from a heavy repair debt.
"Finland should create a clear vision of how connections to the West are handled. The northern connection is very important, but it alone is not enough. A functioning Finland needs either a tunnel or a bridge connection to Estonia or Sweden."
Financial instruments for use.
"Finland must be able to utilize more of the EU's large funding bodies than before." In practice, you need:
- Clearer goals for Finland and bolder advocacy at the EU level
- For EU decision-makers, a better understanding of Finland's geopolitical position and special features.
"Until now, the transport funding we have received has been substantially smaller than other EU countries on the eastern border. In Finland, EU funding for the road network must also be ensured, so that we can secure our ability to operate."
Benefit for the whole of Europe.
"A strong and functioning society at the borders of the EU is a prerequisite for overall security. Investments in construction bring prosperity, continuity and security, especially to the eastern borders. The whole of Europe will benefit from this."
Construction industry in Europe:
- The continent's largest industries.
- Almost 25 million jobs.
- A critical factor in achieving climate goals and enabling investments.
- In Finland, the construction industry is a larger employer than the EU average.
Construction investments bring growth, but require a functioning internal market
The EU's growth, energy efficiency and climate goals will not be achieved without investments in construction.
CEO of Rakennusteollisuus RT Aleksi Randell: "The transition to a sustainable, fossil-free society requires investments in repairing the built environment as well."
Energy and efficiency
Construction plays a key role both in renewing European industry and in achieving energy efficiency goals. Among other things, you will need:
- Improves energy efficiency repair construction. "EU funding programs should take into account that the built environment is a key part of a renewable and smart energy solution."
- Investments for sustainable energy production. "The competition for green transition investments is fierce, but Finland has the potential to become a leading country, as long as we implement a sensible policy."
- Functional according to market conditions circular economy. "The transition to a circular economy must be implemented technology- and material-neutrally. In addition, the EU legislation related to the circular economy should be examined as a whole."
Markets to function
"In order for the necessary investments to be implemented effectively, we need a functioning internal market."
- Too detailed regulation leads to a dysfunctional internal market.
- When creating new regulation, similar overlapping regulation should be removed.
- Efficient markets enable open and fair competition for companies operating in the EU.
Time to build
"It is in everyone's interest that, for example, investments that increase energy efficiency are accelerated and the infrastructure enables the effortless movement of people, goods and services. A Europe that is built well will do well."
Published in the MustRead newsletter on May 29.5.2024, XNUMX