Housing is the key for the future of our society
Highlights from the launch of the “Housing for All” campaign
Brussels, 24 February 2016 | Published in Energy, Urban, Economy, Social
Housing Europe welcomed its members and its partners in its offices in Brussels for the launch event of the “Housing for All” campaign that will be the compass for advocacy work throughout the year.
What should be the priorities for housing policies in the future? Which best practices can be inspiring for countries and cities in transition? On February 22nd Housing Europe presented to representatives of its member organisations and to partners from the political scene in Brussels its “Housing for All” campaign.
After evaluating the “State of Housing in the EU” in 2015, Housing Europe highlights the importance of “Housing for All”. At a time when many European countries have to adapt their housing policies to the changing needs, Housing Europe invites EU institutions, member states, local authorities and housing providers to work together with the overall aim to boost the supply of affordable homes for liveable communities.
Housing Europe Secretary General, Sorcha Edwards briefly presented the campaign objectives:
“We have to work together with decision makers to produce more flexible and evidence-based policies that on the one hand protect the increasing numbers of the vulnerable groups of the population while on the other hand make space for innovation in housing delivery”.
The Contributing Housing Editor of The Guardian, Dawn Foster was one of the guest speakers at the event. After providing with an overview of the British context where the housing crisis is still challenging reality, Dawn stressed that “social housing has a huge impact in our lives. It is not just about the provision of affordable homes… Without housing for all we cannot guarantee a sustainable future for our society”.
MEP Javi Lopez (S & D, Spain) who is a member of the Employment and Social Affairs Committee of the European Parliament, following closely housing related developments said addressing Housing Europe members: “Having a house unlocks the rest of one’s rights.” Referring to the current challenge of the refugee crisis, Mr. Lopez added that “Europe should be a place of dignity. The role of housing is crucial for the integration of refugees”.
Raising a glass to the shared vision of “Housing for All” participants bookmarked the campaign webpage, www.housing4all.eu, where you can also find out more about this participatory process that will link up practitioners with policy makers.
