News 2026

On 16^th December 2025, the European Commission presented its first-ever plan for affordable housing, in a broad package, mixing a few concrete measures with many recommendations to national, regional and local authorities.

The package includes the following main elements:

• A European Affordable Housing Plan, aimed at boosting supply, mobilising investment, providing immediate support and driving reforms, and supporting the most affected populations; as well as a European Strategy for Housing Construction, which will focus on simplifying and digitalising residential permitting and administrative procedures, supporting innovation and scaling up in construction, securing access to raw and secondary materials, and ensuring access to services and skills.

In a Press Release (link here) published on 17^th December 2025, FIEC welcomed this Plan, especially its accompanying Strategy dedicated to increasing the productivity of the construction industry. Indeed, the current housing shortage is massive and the construction industry has a prominent role to play to solve the matter. FIEC believes that, together, this Strategy and the Plan can truly make a difference and help building and renovating more affordable and sustainable homes for EU citizens by simplifying, digitalising and accelerating permitting procedures, boosting the uptake of innovative construction products and methods, creating a real market for circular economy in construction, enhancing skills for the twin transition and ensuring fair mobility for construction workers and of course, unlocking the necessary public and private investment.

FIEC has actively advocated for these priorities and therefore stands ready to further work with the European Commission, Member States, cities, financial institutions and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that housing affordability is restored for EU citizens.

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  2025-12-16-EU Affordable Housing Plan-SUMMARY.pdf

  Read or download FIEC's SUMMARY