Ministers responsible for Housing underline the need for coordinated European action on affordable housing

Ministers responsible for Housing highlighted the need for coordinated reflection and action at a European level to address the growing challenges related to affordable housing, during an informal videoconference held on 3 February 2026 under the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union. This discussion took place in the context of the presentation of the European Affordable Housing Plan by the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Mr Dan Jørgensen.

The informal videoconference brought together ministers from across the European Union and provided an opportunity to exchange views on housing affordability, availability and sustainability. Participants emphasised the wide-reaching social and economic implications of housing shortages, including their impact on social cohesion, labour mobility and demographic changes, as well as on the everyday lives of European citizens.

When discussing on the European Affordable Housing Plan, the participating member states recognised the initiative as a timely and important tool. It offers a comprehensive framework of actions across a wide range of cross-cutting policy areas, and it serves as a useful basis for structured dialogue and cooperation at a European level.

The ministers stressed the importance of ensuring that all people, particularly those on low and moderate incomes and those in vulnerable situations, have access to decent, affordable and sustainable housing.

They also emphasised that mobilising investment and facilitating access to funding, particularly through innovative financial instruments, is key to addressing housing challenges.

Participants further underlined the need to increase the supply of affordable housing, particularly through environmentally sustainable construction and the renovation of existing buildings, as well as the repurposing and reuse of underutilised housing stock, especially in urban areas. The role of innovation and the need for alignment with the green and digital transitions was also emphasised during the discussion.

Advancing data-driven solutions to Europe’s housing challenges

The exchange of views confirmed the value of evidence-based policymaking supported by reliable, high-quality data, and of sharing best practice among member states and across different levels of governance. It was agreed that such knowledge sharing is essential for identifying effective and adaptable solutions.

The informal videoconference demonstrated a shared understanding that housing is a common challenge requiring continued dialogue and coordination at a European level, while respecting of competencies and the principle of subsidiarity. The views expressed during the meeting provided valuable input for both the ongoing work on the European Affordable Housing Plan and future discussions.

Further opportunities to continue the exchange of views on housing are foreseen in the coming months, particularly during the upcoming EPSCO Council meetings and dedicated events organised by the Cyprus Presidency.