The European Commission’s newly formed housing task force is gearing up to begin work on 1 February, laying the foundation for the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan. But even before its official start, the wheels are already turning. Discussions are underway on how the European Investment Bank can step up to support local authorities and Member States in tackling the housing crisis.
This was the key message from Housing Europe’s recent delegation to the European Parliament, where Energy and Housing Commissioner Dan Jørgensen provided an update. He was joined by the newly elected chair of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis, who made it clear that the solution isn’t simply to “Build, baby, Build.” Instead, the focus must be on delivering the right kind of housing to meet local needs—a strategy that prioritises affordability, sustainability, and social impact.
Beyond housing: A push for stronger social rights
At the same time, Housing Europe joined the Social Platform for a meeting with Commissioner Roxana Mînzatu, who oversees social rights, skills, and job quality. The discussion revolved around the European Pillar of Social Rights—one of the central pillars of her mandate—and how it can be strengthened in the coming years.
Our delegation stressed the urgency of an ambitious Anti-Poverty Strategy and reaffirmed our commitment to working together. We highlighted the critical role of the European Social Fund Plus in driving structural reforms, especially in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). We also urged the Commissioner to advocate for a broader, more inclusive approach—ensuring that social rights and labour market policies go hand in hand with economic and digital transformation.
For Housing Europe, the vision is clear: housing must be an enabler of social and climate progress, not a source of inequality or environmental harm. That means stronger partnerships between housing providers, local authorities, and the care sector—to prevent homelessness, support dignified ageing at home, and bridge the widening gap between incomes and housing costs. Right now, the care and social sectors remain undervalued despite their essential role in creating a fairer and more cohesive society. It’s time for that to change.