European Commission visit to exemplary CLT builds momentum for future EU-level support.

On 7 October 2024, the European Community Land Trust Network (ECLTN) and Community Land Trust Brussels (CLTB), welcomed European Commission Director-General Mario Nava of the Directorate-general on Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, alongside colleagues Agnese Papadia and Grégoire Gajewski .

The visit highlighted the great potential for delivering social rights, cohesion, and value that CLTs such as Calico (CAre and LIving in the COmmunity) can deliver across Europe, if the right policy support and investment is in place. 

In the case of the Calico project, a combination of EU (Urban Innovative Action) and local (Brussels Region) funding, ensured the project was possible by helping the organisation acquire the land and facilitate the processes required to deliver 34 housing units for a diversity of needs: apartments for purchase or rent, as well as spaces exclusively for different genders, age groups, and personal circumstances. Housing units on-site are accompanied by shared resident and neighbourhood spaces, as well as a birthing unit and a special care unit for the end of life. 

CLTs in the context of European challenges and policies

Following a detailed tour of the Calico site and discussions with residents, ECLTN and CLTB provided the European Commission delegation with an overview of the CLT movement in Europe; illustrated the journey of CLTB to reach scale; elaborated on the long-lasting value and contribution that support for CLTs could offer to achieving social objectives at EU level and at a local level; and underlined key policy priorities for the months and years ahead as the EU begins work on addressing the pan-European housing crisis. 

Discussions with the European Commission representatives focused on the need to ensure EU housing and community oriented policy initiatives and related funding instruments integrate social criteria that locks-in affordability of new housing and the associated benefits.

Following the visit, Mario Nava, Director General of DG EMPL stated that "Ensuring access to social and affordable housing for vulnerable people is a priority. Community-based innovative initiatives, like the Brussels Community Land Trust Calico project, are an example of how to achieve this while strengthening local communities. I am happy that EU funding contributed to set-up the project, paving the way for more of these successful initiatives in the future.”

Keti Tskitishvili, European ECLTN Managing Director highlighted that “At the European CLT Network we are grateful for the visit of Mr. Nava and the DG EMPL delegation, and their interest in community-led housing and development in Europe. Our engaging conversation strengthened our shared commitment to building more inclusive and affordable housing solutions in Europe.” adding that “ECLTN hopes that this visit is the beginning of a stronger partnership to strengthen recognition and integration of community-led-developments throughout the EU policy framework to support CLTs becoming a mainstream solution to housing and social issues across Europe."

For more information on the European CLT Network please visit www.clteurope.org or contact michael.neaves@cltb.be to discuss any of the details mentioned within this article.