At a conference titled “Building Tomorrow: Addressing Europe’s construction sector challenges - social partners & civil society’s inputs” held on 24 June 2025 in Brussels, the EESC examined critical issues for the EU construction industry. Key challenges identified include labour shortages, rising material and labour costs, housing affordability crisis, burdensome regulations, and unfair subcontracting practices. The article calls for public procurement reforms using MEAT (Most Economically Advantageous Tender) instead of lowest-price criteria, better enforcement of standards to ensure workers’ protection, and simplified permit processes. It advocates investment in worker skills, improved wages, and making construction careers more attractive. Stakeholders emphasised the necessity of sustainable, affordable housing, innovation in construction methods and materials, and stronger regulatory frameworks to enhance competition, quality, and resilience within the industry. The EESC serves as a platform for these civil society and policy inputs.