The European construction sector has always been a dynamic industry, contributing significantly to the region's growth and employment. However, as the sector diversifies and expands, the feasibility and the need for standardised processes and systems becomes more pertinent. This need and opportunity has laid the groundwork for the SIDE-CIC project. With backing from the European Commission, the EFBWW and FIEC initiated the SIDE-CIC project focusing on the standardisation and potential interconnection of the card schemes of social security systems within the European construction sector. The project consisted of several elements, including a mapping exercise, an analysis of the legal framework, the available technology, a feasibility study into how to connect these systems together and joint recommendations.
Mapping Exercise
Central to the project, this exercise entailed an exhaustive investigation into current social identity card systems across EU member states. The mapping was finalised in November 2024 and is available HERE, together with an Executive Summary. The mapping provides an overview of the employed technologies, data captured and scope.
Legal and Technical Analyses
The legal analysis scrutinised current legislative frameworks and identified any potential gaps, ensuring they align with data protection norms and where best practices can be found.
In parallel, the technical analysis of the project examined the infrastructure and overlaps of the current systems, with an emphasis on understanding any intersections, particularly with platforms like eIDAS.
Joint Recommendations and Considerations for a pilot project
As a culmination of the rigorous studies and analyses, EFBWW and FIEC drafted and executive summary and joint recommendations including considerations for a pilot project . The recommendations offer insights into best practices, streamlined integration strategies, and efforts to create a cohesive approach across the EU construction sector.
The feasibility study, a comprehensive evaluation of the possibilities of interconnecting different card systems, focused on identifying legal and technological bridges, assessed potential tools and platforms, and explored the strengths and challenges of achieving system unification.
The SIDE-CIC project paved the way for a system of social security identification that is streamlined and improved and identified how to unify the schemes in the European construction industry, ensuring coherence, efficiency, and enhanced governance.