French employers and trade unions in the construction sector unite to put an end to subcontracting abuses in Europe

This vote, obtained following an unprecedented collective mobilization of French social partners with European MPs, constitutes a clear political signal: Europe can no longer turn a blind eye to the excesses of cascading subcontracting in the construction industry.

Putting an end to a destructive spiral

In the construction sector, the excessive lengthening of subcontracting chains creates asymmetrical economic pressure that crushes very small businesses, weakens local employment and fuels a race to the bottom.

This mechanism causes:

• an erosion of profit margins for very small businesses and SMEs,
• a gradual deterioration of working conditions as one progresses through the ranks,
• fraudulent practices and undeclared work,
• a decline in the quality of work, detrimental to consumers and to European climate objectives.

Unlimited subcontracting is therefore not a tool for efficiency: in too many cases, it has become a driver of social dumping and unfair competition. In France, a step was taken with the adoption of the law of June 30, 2025, against all forms of fraud in public aid, which limits subcontracting to two tiers for projects receiving public aid for energy renovation or for adapting housing for aging and disability. We must now go further.

Europe must now act

The European Parliament has taken its responsibilities. It is now up to the European Commission to translate this political signal into concrete initiatives to strictly regulate subcontracting chains in the construction sector, particularly within the framework of public procurement. Employers and construction unions are speaking with one voice: it is urgent to restore transparency, accountability, and fairness to subcontracting chains.

Illustrative image of the article via Depositphotos.com.