Housing Europe

In 2024, housing took centre stage in the European Union agenda. Many of the demands of the public, cooperative, and social housing sector prior the European elections are now shaping policy. Many unprecedented steps forward. ✅ For the first time, we have a European Commissioner with "Housing" in the title. ✅A dedicated Task Force within the European Commission will soon bring coherence to the EU’s fragmented housing strategies. ✅ In the European Parliament, a special Committee focused solely on housing was approved last evening. But they come with an essential caveat. Success at the EU level depends on reflecting the tough housing realities across Europe and dialogue will be the key to translating ambition into action. This renewed focus on housing didn’t appear overnight. The deepening crisis has forced political leaders to confront the harsh realities. 🚩1 in 5 jobs in small and medium-sized enterprises in France remain unfilled due to a lack of affordable housing. 🚩Homelessness is rising, and housing exclusion continues to grow. 🚩The social and economic toll of failed policies is no longer tenable. We’ve heard bold announcements. A new EU Affordable Housing Plan, a pan-European housing investment platform, and a proposed doubling of cohesion funds will unfold against a backdrop of concerning national budget cuts, unfit fiscal rules and state aid regulations that need an improvement. We must remain vigilant to ensure these initiatives bring solutions, not setbacks. The EU has also promised a construction innovation strategy. Yet, across Europe, underuse of social and environment clauses in procurement rules still drive a lowest-price mentality, undermining quality and working conditions. Innovation must serve people first, address the housing crisis, while undoubtedly, benefitting the economy and fair businesses. Housing Europe, together with our members, is ready to lead these critical conversations. We believe EU funding must continue to prioritise high-impact, socially beneficial projects, recognising public, cooperative, and social housing providers as Europe’s most reliable long-term investors. 🔔 The housing crisis was not caused by a lack of finance but by poorly defined rules that failed to put people and the planet first. Construction prices have soared by 20% in just four years, far outpacing the previous decade's rise. A robust EU strategy is essential to combat unsustainable price increases and deliver affordable homes. The stakes could not be higher. In November, at our Leaders’ Summit, Housing Europe’s members united to send a powerful message to policymakers. Inclusive housing systems are not just desirable—they are essential for Europe’s future. Competitiveness is meaningless without access to healthy, affordable homes. We can’t stop at numbers; we need to create vibrant, thriving communities that respect planetary boundaries. And we are here to foster the dialogue needed to make that happen.

Is finding a job with a social impact in Brussels one of your 2025 resolutions? We have got you covered, just keep on reading. Housing Europe is looking for an experienced Communications Director to lead our Brussels-based communications work for several months. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive the communications strategy of one of EU’s most respected NGOs, focusing on high-impact advocacy, policy outreach, and the organisation of major events. You will play a pivotal role in shaping public narratives on social, cooperative, and public housing across Europe, leading initiatives that amplify our mission and influence key players. Contract duration: approx. February – September 2025 Interviews: January 2025 Even if no day is the same, you will... 📣 Ensure that all our public communication – editorial work, social media channels or website, press work, newsletters, event curation - reflects Housing Europe’s advocacy work. 🚀 Become the main contact at Housing Europe that coordinates and leads the work of the ISHF - International Social Housing Festival (4-6 June 2025, Dublin) during which you will organise our annual conference, streamline all our other events at the Festival, ensure strong promotion and before, during, after coverage of the Festival. ✍ Prepare our monthly newsletter for an audience of +1.4K subscribers every last working day of the month. 🇪🇺 Lead the communication work for 3 EU-funded projects focusing on energy poverty, district renovation, and housing research. Support dissemination for multiple other European projects while making sure that the messaging is a continuous reality check for the sector. The day-to-day project work includes preparing reports, creating content, and event organisation while making sure that the messaging is a continuous reality check for the core work of our sector. 🚆 Occasional travel will be necessary. How to apply? Please submit your CV (max. 2 pages). In addition, please choose a format that suits you best to address how we can fight stigma in social housing: a single social media post concept, a brief blog post (300 words max), or a visual that best highlights your skills. ChatGPT could be a great assistant but we really want to see your style and unique perspective. Send your work in a single PDF, along with your CV and cover letter by January 12, 2025. Good luck! https://lnkd.in/eb_VuGfH

The European Responsible #Housing Awards exist because of all the inspiring people and organisations that are going that extra mile in creating homes, from laying a foundation to ensuring everyone feels welcomed in the building.🏡 We also want to take a moment and acknowledge that all the work behind the Awards would be much more difficult without the support of sponsors and partners. This is why we want to say a big 'thank you' to CEB - Council of Europe Development Bank for trusting us and supporting the mission of celebrating empowering examples from all over Europe.🤩 Take a moment to explore the remarkable panel of jurors for the 2025 edition! This diverse group includes tenants' representatives, housing researchers, and forward-thinking policymakers. Their collective expertise and unique perspectives will guarantee a vibrant and fair competition that celebrates #innovation and #inclusivity🧑⚖️ Does that resonate with your organisation and the projects you carry out? Then you have until the 19th of January to apply and share that with us!🏆 Read more about the Awards and join us➡️https://lnkd.in/ddKD8AkF #ResponsibleHousing2025 International Union of Tenants (IUT), DELPHIS

Another first: the European Parliament establishes a special committee on the housing crisis This Wednesday is memorable for Housing Europe and our community as the European Parliament has voted overwhelmingly in favour of creating a special committee dedicated to addressing the ongoing housing crisis across the European Union. With 480 votes in favour, the committee’s formation marks a historic milestone in EU housing policy. Set to exist for one year, the committee will work intensively on mapping housing needs, particularly for low- and middle-income groups, as well as assess the economic impact of housing scarcity on issues like poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. It will scrutinise existing EU, national, and local policies, particularly around the availability of social and affordable housing in cities, rural areas, and islands. The new group of MEPs is also tasked with investigating the effects of housing speculation and examining the effectiveness of EU funds dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing and combating homelessness. The committee will also address the growing challenges posed by short-term rentals, escalating housing prices, and barriers in the construction sector, paving the way for much-needed policy reforms. In the coming months, it will host hearings, visits to best practice initiatives, and conduct in-depth analyses to support the development of the European Affordable Housing Plan, which the Commission is set to introduce. For Housing Europe, the focus on non-profit housing solutions, such as public, cooperative, and social housing, and the assessment of funding mechanisms will directly impact future EU policies aimed at delivering much-needed homes for vulnerable populations. 💪 Its creation sends a strong signal that Europe is starting to take its housing crisis seriously, and if this commitment is genuine, we look forward to working together, offering real-life examples, and contributing with a century of expertise on how to deliver fair, sustainable homes. Big ambitions, 12 months, let's make it work.

Housing Europe is looking for an experienced Communications Director to lead our Brussels-based communications work for several months. This role offers a unique opportunity to drive the communications strategy of one of EU’s most respected NGOs, focusing on high-impact advocacy, policy outreach, and the organisation of major events. You will play a pivotal role in shaping public narratives on social, cooperative, and public housing across Europe, leading initiatives that amplify our mission and influence key players. Contract duration: approx. February – September 2025 Interviews: January 2025 Even if no day is the same, you will... 📣 Ensure that all our public communication – editorial work, social media channels or website, press work, newsletters, event curation - reflects Housing Europe’s advocacy work. 🚀 Become the main contact at Housing Europe that coordinates and leads the work of the ISHF - International Social Housing Festival (4-6 June 2025, Dublin) during which you will organise our annual conference, streamline all our other events at the Festival, ensure strong promotion and before, during, after coverage of the Festival. ✍ Prepare our monthly newsletter for an audience of +1.4K subscribers every last working day of the month. 🇪🇺 Lead the communication work for 3 EU-funded projects focusing on energy poverty, district renovation, and housing research. Support dissemination for multiple other European projects while making sure that the messaging is a continuous reality check for the sector. The day-to-day project work includes preparing reports, creating content, and event organisation while making sure that the messaging is a continuous reality check for the core work of our sector. 🚆 Occasional travel will be necessary. How to apply? Please submit your CV (max. 2 pages). In addition, please choose a format that suits you best to address how we can fight stigma in social housing: a single social media post concept, a brief blog post (300 words max), or a visual that best highlights your skills. ChatGPT could be a great assistant but we really want to see your style and unique perspective. Send your work in a single PDF, along with your CV and cover letter by January 12, 2025. Good luck! https://lnkd.in/eb_VuGfH #PolicyCommunications #CommunicationJobs #EUjobs #Brussels #JobAd

After hosting the COP15 climate summit in 2009, Copenhagen pledged to become “the world’s first carbon-neutral city” – originally by 2025, though the target has drifted by a few years. The Guardian is writing about the Nordhavn district of Copenhagen that offers a life in which everything you need is just a 5-minute stroll away. It has become one of the trendiest areas in the city, and although quite more expensive at the moment, the authorities are thinking of how it can be more socially sustainable. What would be your guess? Hear, hear. 👂 "It’s not quite what the conspiracy theorists warned about, but is the five-minute city creating almost a gated community? “There is a danger of that,” Skovbro acknowledges. “But that’s why social housing is an important part of it.” Social housing rents are usually 60% to 70% of private rented accommodation, and fixed, she explains, so key workers will not get priced out. Copenhagen has a city-wide policy of 30% social housing; Nordhavn has less than 20%, but the proportion is expected to improve." #socialhousing #Denmark #15minutecity #5minutecity https://lnkd.in/gVaSZR_G

The Foundation for Access to Housing marks 15 years of impact in Luxembourg   Fondation pour l'Accès au Logement (FAL) has been fighting precarious housing in Luxembourg since 2009–when we were struggling with the effects of the Global Financial Crisis. Since then, Housing Europe's member has expanded its impact, managing nearly 700 social housing units, collaborating with 57 local authorities, and employing 52 staff members, including a dedicated team of social workers. 🎯 Their work has been crucial in supporting vulnerable communities in a country where social housing accounts for less than 3% of the market. Our network from Austria and France joined the celebration and shared sustainable models, with Gerlinde Gutheil from the Austrian Federation of Non-Profit Developers (GBV) highlighting Austria’s robust social housing system, and Laurent Ghekiere of the French Union sociale pour l'habitat discussing France’s financial mechanisms for maintaining social housing.

Phase 2️⃣ of the Affordable Housing Initiative European Partnership is offering individually designed and cost-free training. Last Thursday (December 5), Housing Europe and our five partners with who we shape the accelerator programme brought policymakers, social and affordable housing professionals, cities, and key housing actors to celebrate its continuation. The launch was just minutes after the adoption of a crucial opinion by the European Economic and Social Committee on social housing in the EU which underscores the urgency of addressing the housing crisis and lays the groundwork for transformative action. https://lnkd.in/eQixwpfk 𝗩𝗼𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 Oliver Röpke, President of the EESC, called the programme “a significant step forward in ensuring affordable, sustainable, and dignified housing across Europe,” adding that it should serve “as a platform for partnerships and collective action.” MEP Marcos Ros Sempere highlighted the urgency: “The EU has a critical role to play: we can invest, regulate, and encourage Member States to establish common rules for better housing. The time to act is now.” MEP Kim van Sparrentak emphasised the momentum: “We must prioritise social housing districts. With the political will we have today, we cannot let this opportunity slip away.” Amaryllis Verhoeven from the European Commission’s DG GROW stressed the importance of building on successful practices and fostering innovation through partnerships, especially for public, cooperative, and social housing providers, who are key actors in addressing the crisis. Bent Madsen, President of Housing Europe, shared his reflection: “Three or four years ago, such a programme would have been unimaginable. Today, it is about more than housing; it’s about building a fairer and more sustainable Europe.” 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗿𝘁-𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗺 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰, 𝗰𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴? The Initiative is now offering tailored and cost-free training learning programme with many of the tools, resources, and skills needed to deliver housing solutions that meet today’s affordability and climate challenges. With only 15 slots available in this first round, the programme guarantees a highly personalised learning experience. ✅ Develop integrated approaches that improve project outcomes ✅ Avoid common pitfalls in social and affordable housing ✅ Join a network of innovators driving Europe’s fair energy transition 📝 Applications are now open until 28 February 2025. https://lnkd.in/gFPNq5Zy

You can still register for tomorrow's Housing Solutions Platform Debates on Dos and Don’ts of modular housing🏘️ 1️⃣ Discover how modern methods of construction (MMC) are transforming #housing with sustainability and speed. 2️⃣ Explore ways to ensure modular housing benefits everyone. 3️⃣ Learn the dos and don’ts to make modular housing dignified and inclusive. 📅10th of December ⌚10:00-11:30 CET 📍Online ✍️https://lnkd.in/eDb2Tp2H FEANTSA, Fondation Abbé Pierre, Habitat for Humanity International

Learn how to build future social housing with wood 🪵 Public, cooperative, and social housing providers have the opportunity to explore how to incorporate more wood into construction through an upcoming workshop hosted by the Slovenian University of Primorska. This event, part of our EU-funded LIFE Be-WoodEN project, will take place from February 17-19, 2025, in Izola, 🇸🇮 Slovenia. The workshop will cover topics such as the impact of water on wood properties and how environmental stresses affect timber. You will also learn about both destructive and non-destructive testing techniques, which are vital in preserving architectural heritage. Attendees will visit InnoRenew’s cutting-edge labs and research hub, dedicated to sustainable building and wood performance. You will also join a study tour to the latest in cross laminated timber panel production and quality assurance processes. There is a catch. 😉 You have to first attend three preparatory webinars and complete a brief questionnaire. Selections will be made in January 2025. Some travel 🚆 and accommodation 🛌 costs will be covered. For full details and registration, take a look at the BE-WoodEN Workshop Programme - https://lnkd.in/e6i6UWZA