In 2019, the Council of the EU today adopted a new framework for the screening of foreign direct investment into the European Union, completing the legislative process on this proposal.
As a result, the new framework will enter into force in April 2020. The new framework, based on a Commission proposal presented by President Juncker in his 2017 State of the Union address, will contribute to protecting Europe's security, public order and strategic interests as it concerns foreign investment in the Union.
Commenting on the Council's decision, President Jean-Claude Juncker said: "The decision taken today demonstrates the EU's ability to act quickly when the strategic interests of our citizens and our economy are at stake. With the new framework for investment screening, we are now much better equipped to ensure that investments from non-EU countries actually serve our interests I have pledged to work for a Europe that protects both trade and other areas, with these we are fulfilling a crucial part of our promise with the new legislation. "
Cecilia Malmström, Commissioner for Trade, said that she was very pleased with the decision made by the Council as the EU benefits greatly from foreign investment, which plays a crucial role in the economy. However, there has recently been an increase in investment in strategic sectors, which has led to a healthy public debate on this topic. This new framework provides a much better position to oversee foreign investment and protect Dutch interests. She is now looking forward to working closely with the Member States for the effective implementation of this new legislation.
Within the new framework:
A cooperation mechanism will be set up to allow the Member States and the Commission to exchange information and raise concerns regarding specific investments;
The Commission will be able to deliver opinions if the security or public policy of more than one Member State is compromised by an investment or if an investment could affect a project or undermine a program of EU-wide importance, such as Horizon 2020 or Galileo;
International cooperation in investment screening will be encouraged, including through sharing experiences, best practices and information on common concerns;
certain requirements will be established for the Member States wishing to maintain or introduce a screening mechanism at the national level. Member States also still have the final say when the question arises whether or not to authorize a specific investment operation in their territory;
The need to work within short, business-friendly timeframes and with strict confidentiality requirements will be taken into account.
Following the approval by the Member States in the Council and the positive vote in the European Parliament on 14 February 2020, new EU legislation establishing an EU framework for investment screening will enter into force in the coming weeks, 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal. Member States and the Commission then have 18 months to make the necessary arrangements for the application of this new mechanism. Preparations are already underway, including the regular exchange of information and best practices with the Member States in the dedicated expert group established in 2017.
Background
Currently, 14 Member States have national screening mechanisms in place. Although they may differ in their design and scope, they have the same objective of maintaining security and public order at a national level. The several Member States are reforming their screening mechanisms or adopting new ones.
The EU has one of the most open investment schemes in the world, as recognized by the OECD in its Investment Restrictivity Index. The EU is the world's leading foreign direct investment destination: at the end of 2017, foreign direct investment into the EU by investors from third countries amounted to EUR 6 295 billion.
In recent years, the construction sector has been the fastest-growing sector for independent entrepreneurs. In 2018, there was a growth of over 7%, and the following year saw a growth of 5.3%, according to the senior sector analysts.
At the same time, there is a shortage of construction workers, a gap that self-employed entrepreneurs are currently diving into. After the crisis of 2008, many construction workers lost their jobs, but now they have the job of sorting them out as self-employed people.
The Netherlands is now widely regarded as one of the healthiest economies in Europe, according to recent surveys despite the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Amsterdam is now perhaps the most popular European city for establishing a new company, as well as large corporations keen to set up regional headquarters serving the entire European area means that the construction industry has been transformed into one of the most extensively developed parts of the Netherlands' economy. It is also a welcoming country for international investors in the construction sector in other regions of the country.
At ICS, we have registration agents who can provide up-to-date information and advice on all you need to know to establish a construction company.
The Civil Code - The Environmental Licensing Law
The Construction Law regulations fall under the remit of the Netherlands' Civil Code, although there is also additional legislation with which construction companies are required to comply. One of the most relevant is the Environmental Licensing Law. This sets out the rules for a construction company in the Netherlands to comply with on building sites. The law encompasses the following:
The actual building of the property;
Any exemptions for the area planning;
Demolition of current sites;
Building on green spaces.
Dutch law is complex so contact ICS to help you navigate your way through the Environmental Licensing Law and the registration process of your construction company.
Registering your construction company in the Netherlands
You will need to register your company with the Dutch Companies Registrar. You might need to apply for certain licenses which will permit you to carry out construction works. For large construction projects this is highly recommended. For independent contractors, most construction workers do not need a license but simply a safety certificate. This is a 1-day course proving you understand safety at the construction site.
Organisations and businesses in the Dutch construction sector can apply for the all-in-one license for material features which may include:
The construction license;
The environmental license;
The exemption for zone planning;
The nature conservation permit;
The renovation license.
You should be aware that extra licenses and permits may be required depending on the nature of the work involved.
Contractors and independent workers generally do not need to apply for any licenses.
For help in establishing a company in the construction sector, please feel free to contact our ICS representatives in the Netherlands.
