Established in 1990, the European Builders Confederation - E.B.C. - is a European professional organisation representing national associations of Craftsmen and SMEs working in the construction sector. Through its national members, E.B.C. represents 2 million micro, small and medium sized enterprises from the construction sector.

The construction sector is of vital importance to the European Economy. With 3 million enterprises, an annual turnover of almost € 1300 billion, a total direct workforce of almost 14 million, the construction sector contributes about 10% to the GDP of the European Union.

The European construction sector is composed at about 99% of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), who produce 80% of the construction industries output. The small enterprises (less than 50 employees) ensure 60% of the production and employ 70% of the sectors working population.