DAILY NEWS
Brussels, 06 March 2025
CALENDAR
Calendrier du lundi 03 mars au dimanche 09 mars
Thursday 06 March 2025
Mr Costas Kadis delivers a keynote address at the European Ocean Days, BlueInvest Day Event.
European Commission and EIB Group lay foundations for a new pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing
The European Commission and the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group are partnering with Europe's national promotional banks and international financial institutions to develop new financing opportunities for affordable and sustainable housing across Europe.
At the EIB Group Forum in Luxembourg today, Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen and EIB Group President Nadia Calviño underlined the importance of tackling one of the most pressing concerns of citizens and governments in the European Union. They advocated a pan-European push that brings together local and national, public and private actors to catalyse finance and urgent action under the Commission's upcoming European Affordable Housing Plan.
The EIB Group announced upcoming launch of the EIB Action Plan to support housing, which includes a new housing one-stop-shop portal to provide advice and finance to support innovation in the construction sector, build affordable homes and invest in energy efficiency and the renovation of housing stock across Europe. The EIB plans investments of around €10 billion over next two years.
Following an extensive consultation, together with the European Parliament, Member States, cities, regions and stakeholders, the Commission will publish its first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan. The plan will offer technical assistance to cities and Member States and focus on investment and skills needed. The Commission will in particular develop a European Strategy for Housing Construction to support housing supply, establish a pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing, conduct an analysis of the impact of housing speculation, support Member States to double the planned cohesion policy investments in affordable housing, tackle systemic issues with short-term accommodation rentals and make proposals to tackle the inefficient use of the current housing stock and revise state-aid rules to enable housing support measures, notably for energy efficiency and social housing.
You can find more information in a joint press release available online.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Giulia Bedini – Tel: +32 2 295 86 61)
Executive Vice-President Raffaele Fitto hosts Youth Policy Dialogue in Italy
Tomorrow, 7 March, Executive Vice-President for Cohesion and Reforms, Raffaele Fitto, will host a Youth Policy Dialogue with high school students in Vignola, in Italy's Emilia-Romagna region.
The dialogue will address critical themes such as EU values and the impact of the Commission's policies and programs on Europeans' daily life, focusing particularly on the role of Cohesion Policy in supporting regional development.
Ahead of the event, Executive Vice-President Fitto stated, "Today's young people are the future of Europe and its values. I am eager to engage in this Dialogue as it offers a vital opportunity to hear their concerns and perceptions, while also encouraging them to take an active role in the European project, enhancing a sense of ownership and participation. Young people's perspectives are crucial in shaping policy-making and ensuring that EU decisions align with their needs—locally, regionally, nationally, and across Europe."
Youth dialogues are designed to foster open discussions on EU policies, providing young individuals with a platform to share their views and concerns directly with the members of the College of Commissioners. These dialogues are part of the European Commission's enduring commitment to involving youth in policy-making, ensuring their voices are essential in fostering a more inclusive and cohesive EU. They were defined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her political guidelines for the new mandate of the College.
More information about the Youth Policy Dialogues is available at the dedicated website: European Youth Portal.
(For more information: Maciej Berestecki: +32 229-66483; Isabel Arriaga e Cunha +32 229-52117)
Commissioner Tzitzikostas holds Youth Policy Dialogue in Brussels
This morning, as part of the European Commission's efforts to engage with young people and gather their input on EU-policies, Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, Apostolos Tzitzikostas, hosted a Youth Policy Dialogue in Brussels. He engaged with 19 young people from across the EU, coming from a diverse range of backgrounds, who shared their expectations and needs as young travellers and job seekers. In an open and interactive dialogue, Commissioner Tzitzikostas explored the major challenges faced by young transport users, the factors that influence their travel decisions, and the reasons why young people may be discouraged from working in the transport, mobility, and tourism sector. He also provided insights into the EU's transport policies and initiatives, highlighting opportunities for young people to shape the future of mobility.
Youth Policy Dialogues are a priority for the Commission, as defined by President Ursula von der Leyen in her political guidelines. In order to build connections with young people and empower and foster their active engagement in democracy, all College members will host a youth dialogue at least once a year.
More information about the Youth Policy Dialogues is available on the dedicated website: European Youth Portal.
(For more information: Anna-Kaisa Itkonen – Tel.: +32 2 295 75 01; Anna Wartberger – Tel.: +32 2 298 25 04)
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