ECJ EUROPEAN Cleaning Journal

As we head towards 2026, EFCI in Brussels says the EU has six key priorities for the coming year which will shape the future of cleaning and facilities services across member states.

As the European Union prepares to roll out its 2026 work programme, the cleaning and facility services sector finds itself at a critical juncture. With over 4.2 million workers employed across nearly 300,000 companies, this labour-intensive industry is deeply intertwined with Europe’s social, economic, and environmental ambitions.

The EU’s upcoming policy initiatives - ranging from gender equality and anti-poverty strategies to procurement reform and job quality legislation - offer both challenges and opportunities for the sector to redefine its role in a rapidly evolving landscape.

This article explores how six key EU priorities for 2026 are poised to shape the future of cleaning and facility services across member states.

Gender Equality Strategy 2026-2030: a sector in the spotlight

Scheduled for Q1 2026, the EU’s Gender Equality Strategy will be particularly relevant to the cleaning sector, which is predominantly female. The strategy aims to reduce structural inequalities and promote gender mainstreaming across all sectors. For cleaning professionals, this could mean enhanced access to training, career progression and workplace protections.

The sector has long grappled with gendered labour dynamics, including low pay and limited advancement opportunities. The new strategy offers a chance to address these issues head-on, especially if it includes sector-specific indicators and funding mechanisms. Employers and associations will need to engage proactively to ensure that the strategy reflects the realities of cleaning work and supports meaningful change.

Public Procurement Act: A Redefinition of Value

The revision of the EU Public Procurement Directives, expected late spring 2026, is set to be a game-changer. Cleaning services are heavily reliant on public contracts and current procurement practices often prioritise cost over quality. The proposed changes aim to embed labour standards, sustainability and resilience into procurement frameworks.

For the sector, this could mean a shift towards ‘best value’ principles, price-review mechanisms, and harmonised award criteria across member states. Such reforms would not only improve working conditions but also elevate the professional standing of cleaning services. The sector must prepare to contribute to consultations and advocate for procurement models that reward quality and long-term impact.

Anti-Poverty Strategy: recognising cleaning as a pathway to inclusion

The EU’s Anti-Poverty Strategy, due in the second quarter of 2026, seeks to address the structural causes of exclusion and strengthen support services. Cleaning professionals often face economic vulnerability, precarious employment, and limited social mobility. The strategy’s emphasis on housing, public health and social protection aligns closely with the sector’s realities.

By recognising cleaning services as essential contributors to social inclusion, the strategy could unlock new funding streams and policy support. It also presents an opportunity to integrate cleaning into broader public health and housing initiatives, reinforcing its role in community resilience.

Skills Portability Initiative: enabling mobility and recognition

Part of the Fair Labour Mobility Package, the Skills Portability Initiative (Q3 2026) aims to make qualifications more transferable across borders. This is particularly relevant for cleaning professionals, who often work in transnational contexts and face inconsistent recognition of their skills.

The initiative could pave the way for EU-wide certification frameworks, enabling workers to access new opportunities and employers to tap into a broader talent pool. Sectoral bodies and training providers will need to collaborate to ensure that cleaning-specific competencies are included in the EU’s recognition systems.

Quality Jobs Act: elevating standards across the sector

The Quality Jobs Act, expected towards the end of 2026, seeks to align modern employment with the demands of a modern economy. For the cleaning sector, this means a renewed focus on fair pay, safe working conditions, and access to training.

The initiative builds on the Quality Jobs Roadmap and the Clean Industrial Deal, both of which highlight the importance of decent work in labour-intensive sectors. If implemented effectively, the Act could help professionalise cleaning work, reduce turnover and improve job satisfaction. It also 
reinforces the sector’s role in supporting Europe’s green and digital transitions.

A sector ready to engage

The cleaning and facility services industry is now central to EU policy and valued for its contribution to public health and sustainability. The 2026 plans offer big opportunities, but the sector must engage and adapt to new standards, working with unions and policymakers. By embracing change, the industry can shape a fairer and greener future for Europe.

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