Sofia, 9 June 2023 – Build Europe, the association representing European developers and homebuilders, accounting for more than 60% of the EU’s homebuilding capacity, successfully concluded its annual Congress, which took place on 8 and 9 June in Sofia (Bulgaria). The two-day event, hosted by the Bulgarian Construction Chamber and Glavbolgarstroy Holding, served as a platform for meaningful discussions on crucial housing-related topics, including the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, the EU Taxonomy, and the EU Nature Restoration Regulation. Members engaged in fruitful exchanges, shared valuable insights about their respective housing markets, and discussed the content of the upcoming Build Europe Manifesto in view of the European elections in 2024.
One of the significant highlights of the Congress was the election of Andreas Ibel, from BFW, the German association of real estate and housing companies, as the new President of Build Europe. Ibel will take office on 31 July 2023, succeeding the current President, Marc Pigeon, from FPI, the French association of developers and homebuilders.
During the proceedings, Andreas Ibel expressed his gratitude towards President Pigeon for his outstanding contributions to the Association, stating: “I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to our President Marc Pigeon for his exceptional dedication and remarkable achievements as President of Build Europe. Under his guidance, our association has grown, and we have made significant progresses in advancing the interests of developers and homebuilders across Europe in very difficult times, that saw our sector hit by the Covid crisis, Brexit, and the Ukrainian war. I am honored to follow in his footsteps and build upon the foundation he has laid. Marc’s vision for Build Europe’s future will serve as an inspiration as we continue to face new challenges at the EU level. During my presidency I want to use the strength of Build Europe and its members to support the re-building of Ukraine. Ukraine is fighting for the values that are fundamental to the EU“.
Marc Pigeon, in turn, expressed his confidence in Andreas Ibel’s ability to drive the association forward and expand its membership. He said: “As my tenure as President of Build Europe comes to an end, I have full faith in Andreas Ibel’s capabilities to lead our association to even greater heights. As member of Build Europe, Andreas has demonstrated a strong passion for advocating on behalf of our sector at the EU level. I am confident that, under his guidance, Build Europe will continue to grow and attract more members, solidifying our position as the leading voice for European developers and homebuilders. I wish Andreas the very best in his new role and look forward to witnessing the continued success of Build Europe.”
Before the end of his Presidency, Marc Pigeon will travel to Japan, where he will hold a press conference on 5 July and ask G7 governments to include housing affordability in their agendas for the upcoming meetings.