From 16 to 18 September 2025 took place in Zagreb / Croatia a seminar about “Strengthening Road Construction sector : Capacity Building and Social Dialogue for a Safer Future”, organized by BIE Int. (Bouw-Industrie & Energie International) in cooperation with Nezavisni Cestarski Sindikat, CNV and EZA. The seminar was funded by the European Union. It was attended by representatives of workers’ organisations from Germany, Belgium, France, Croatia, Serbia and the Netherlands
Representatives from various countries gathered to discuss challenges and strategies related to strengthening the capacity of the road construction sector and improving social dialogue. The seminar contributed to enhancing cooperation among different stakeholders in the sector and the collective development of solutions for a safer future in infrastructure projects.
The seminar included a series of presentations, panels, and working groups that focused on current challenges in the road construction sector, including workplace safety, sustainability of construction materials, and the importance of social dialogue between employers and employees. Participants had the opportunity to share best practices and experiences from their countries, which led to constructive dialogue and the exchange of ideas.
The seminar resulted in numerous recommendations for strengthening cooperation among countries, emphasizing the importance of continuous education in the sector. Participants agreed on the need to develop joint strategies and action plans, with a specific focus on safety and protection of workers in the sector.
Recommendations for Future Seminars
- Include more practical workshops for participants
- Increase interaction among different stakeholders
- Develop informal collaboration between participants
Based on the results achieved, the seminar was a successful step towards enhancing the road construction sector at the international level.
Conclusion
This report has been compiled as a summary of the key aspects of the seminar. Participants expressed their expectations for future activities and the renewal of cooperation, with the aim of further developing a safer and more efficient road construction sector.