It was no coincidence that Bilbao hosted the recent General Assembly of AVS, the Spanish federation of public housing providers. This year, Bilbao celebrates its 100th anniversary of social housing. Although Spain has a relatively low share of social housing (2,5%) at national level, many regions and cities have a strong tradition of municipal housing companies. Still, the Spanish public sector was hit very badly by the financial crisis - e.g. drastic budget cuts and forced sales to aggressive investment funds. AVS lost many of its members through this process, but the latest signs point that, ten years later, the worst might be behind as the sector is slowly recovering. AVS is starting to regain members and politicians are becoming more aware of increasing needs for more affordable housing.

Dr Darinka Czischke and the Co-Lab Research managing team are pleased to announce the launch of the new website ‘Co-Lab Research’ that presents the work of a research group focusing on the development, discussion and valorisation of knowledge on Collaborative Housing.

Following last year’s success with 30 participants from nine European countries, young housing professionals in the public, cooperative and social housing sector from all over Europe are invited to Germany for the second edition of a unique summer school. Five exciting and inspiring days are awaiting you in Bochum, located in the very heart of Europe.