Rising construction costs and their knock-on effect on the housing shortage were at the centre of talks held in Brussels by Stephanos Pierides, secretary general of the Federation of Associations of Building Contractors (Oseok) and Head of Environmental Issues at the European Construction Industry Federation (Fiec). 

During his visit, Pierides met separately with Cypriot MEPs Loukas Fourlas, Michalis Hatzipandelas and Costas Mavrides, stressing the pressure that soaring costs place on the sector and underlining their impact on housing affordability. 

He also held discussions with Demetris Petrides, Attaché at the Permanent Representation of Cyprus to the EU, focusing on ways to step up cooperation ahead of Cyprus taking over the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2026. 

As chairman of Fiec’s Subcommittee on Environment, Pierides joined a meeting with Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen.  

Talks centred on water adequacy and on how the construction industry can support Europe’s shift towards resilience and sustainability. 

According to Oseok, its active role in Fiec ensures that Cyprus has a stronger say in shaping European policies that directly affect the future of the construction sector at both national and EU level.