Good afternoon friends!

Thank you for being here today, both online and those who have traveled to Brussels.

Across Europe, housing is a top priority. We face major challenges, but there are also innovative ideas and solutions in various regions.

Today, we discuss successful approaches in Europe and how we can share them.

We need more affordable housing; rents have increased by a quarter and house prices by half.

We must also invest in quality and sustainable housing to lower energy costs and improve living quality.

We need to support young people, vulnerable individuals, and essential workers who cannot afford housing.

Europe is fighting for them too.

We are working hard to help member states with investments in affordable housing, such as the Cohesion Policy.

This is a big opportunity, and I encourage everyone to seize it.

We are working on a pan-European investment platform for sustainable housing.

This is part of our European Affordable Housing Plan.

2025 will be a year of engagement and consultation.

We invite experts and citizens for consultations on the housing plan.

I want to understand the challenges in each member state and ask for your input and ideas.

How can we improve EU rules and stimulate investments in housing?

We need a toolbox of best practices from across Europe.

Today is the starting point for our joint journey.

Lets exchange ideas and share solutions for affordable, sustainable, and decent housing for all Europeans.

Thank you!