Housing Europe Secretary General welcomed Evi Kaila, the representative of the former Greek member of the European Federation, OEK. Evi who now works for the Greek Ministry of Social Solidarity shared with Sorcha some of the latest political developments exploring ways of potential collaboration. At the same time, according to the latest figures, the construction activity in the country keeps falling, reaching a historical low point.

Hong Kong - the city in the southeast of China which is known for its wealth and its luxurious high-rises (high buildings) - has a chronic shortage of viable and affordable housing. Due to the extremely long waiting lists for social housing (15 years) more than 200.000 underprivileged are forced to rent on the private market. The largest share of the private rental market is not affordable, though, and the average cost of housing eats up more than 50% of people’s disposable income contributing to rising poverty. The living conditions in the cubic units are inhumane.

Complicated contracts, complex building and work environment rules, and documents only available in Swedish. Construction companies wishing to enter the Swedish market and fulfill the potential of the European Union face many challenges. This is underlined by a report from the Housing Europe member, SABO- the Swedish Association of Public Housing Companies, an industry and interest organisation.