The European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) has consolidated its role as a strategic dialogue partner with EU institutions to address the structural emergencies facing the continent. Following the publication of its report on future trends in water resilience, the EFCA secretariat held meetings with officials from the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment—specifically with the Clean Water Services unit—to convey the operational recommendations of the engineering consultancy sector.
Integration of resilience from the design phase and public procurement
During working meetings with European experts, EFCA representatives emphasized the imperative need to incorporate the principle of “resilience-by-design” into all water infrastructure projects. This approach is critical to safeguarding essential supplies and wastewater treatment services against natural and human-made threats, in a context marked by accelerating climate change and geopolitical instability.
It is essential to incorporate the principle of “resilience-by-design” into water infrastructure projects to protect essential supplies.
In turn, the federation conveyed to EU officials the importance of structuring effective, quality-focused public procurement processes, moving beyond purely economic criteria that often compromise the durability and technical functionality of public works. Likewise, EFCA advocated for adequate financial support through the upcoming EU Multiannual Financial Framework (2028–2034), a key framework to sustain the investments required for asset renewal.
Data centers: a new sustainable labeling framework for 2027
The technical dialogue parallelly addressed the impact arising from the massive expansion of digitalization and artificial intelligence. More than two years after EFCA called for urgent measures to mitigate the rapid proliferation of data centers, the European Commission has introduced a common sustainability rating scheme. This initiative aims to provide transparency regarding energy and resource use, incentivizing these consumption-intensive facilities to integrate more efficiently into the European energy grid.
The new sustainability labeling system for data centers will promote waste heat recovery and smart grid management.
The regulatory framework seeks to transform data centers into flexible partners in the energy system through solutions such as waste heat recovery and smart electricity demand management. For engineering consultancy firms, this scenario demands the development of innovative solutions in cooling, water resource management, and infrastructure design. The text of the proposal is currently under scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council, with the issuance of the first sustainability labels estimated for 2027.
The State of the Union address sets investment priorities
On the other hand, the guidelines set out in the State of the Union (SOTEU) address by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reinforce the lines of action proposed by consulting engineering. EU strategy will prioritize competitiveness, resilience, security, and investment, positioning the modernization of transport, water, and energy networks as the backbone of long-term European prosperity.
The modernization of European infrastructure is a priority to maintain the competitiveness and security of the single market.
The European Commission has also reaffirmed its commitment to simplifying regulatory frameworks and reducing barriers within the Single Market—aspects that open direct opportunities for engineering in the overhaul of key infrastructure and the strengthening of the continent’s industrial base. As these political priorities translate into concrete legislative initiatives and investment instruments, EFCA will maintain active participation to ensure that engineering firms retain a leading role in building a more sustainable and competitive Europe.
