Informal video conference of the ministers responsible for housing, 3 February 2026

Main results

EU ministers responsible for housing took part in an informal video conference to share their initial thoughts on the European Affordable Housing Plan, which aims to support member states in ensuring that everyone in Europe has access to affordable, sustainable and good-quality housing.

As the Cyprus Presidency, we are fully committed to enhancing dialogue on affordable housing at a European level, in line with the principle of subsidiarity and with full respect for national competences. Today’s meeting provided an opportunity to share initial views on which we plan to build a momentum to advance a strong European approach, through exchange of knowledge and best practices, while taking into account demographic shifts and broader factors that shape the daily lives of citizens across our Union.

Konstantinos Ioannou, Minister of Interior of the Republic of Cyprus

Following a presentation of the housing plan by Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, several ministers took the floor to discuss key elements of the plan and share examples of policies already in place at national level.  

The vast majority of EU housing ministers welcomed the Commission’s plan, while stressing the need for it to respect and complement member states’ responsibility for housing policy. A number of speakers highlighted the added value of EU-level initiatives in supporting the work taking place at local, regional and national levels.

Other topics raised included the potential benefits of better access to affordable housing in boosting the EU’s competitiveness, the diversity of housing systems and conditions in different countries and regions, and the need to focus in particular on supporting vulnerable population groups such as young people and families with children.

• Watch the recording of the press conference
• European Affordable Housing Plan
• The EU's housing crisis (background information)
• Conclusions of the European Council (23 October 2025)