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Learn moreThe document titled "Social Housing and Beyond: Operational Toolkit on the Use of EU Funds for Investments in Social Housing and Associated Services" was developed by Mr. Grzegorz Gajewski under the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion. It was published by the Publications Office of the European Union in 2024, following its completion in December 2023. The toolkit serves as a vital resource for leveraging EU funds to tackle social housing issues throughout Member States during the 2021–2027 programming period.
Context
The report addresses the urgent housing crisis facing the European Union, where issues of affordability and access to decent housing are becoming increasingly critical. From 2010 to 2023, house purchase prices surged by 48%, while rents increased by 23%. As of 2022, nearly 8.7% of EU citizens were spending over 40% of their disposable income on housing. The document highlights the importance of social housing as a foundation for promoting social inclusion, economic opportunities, and regional cohesion.
Key Findings
The toolkit elaborates on various EU funding mechanisms available to support investments in social housing and related services. Key funding opportunities include:
- Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF): Allocating €15.1 billion for social housing reforms, focusing on energy-efficient renovations and new public utility housing. - European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Providing €215 billion for projects that promote socioeconomic inclusion via housing infrastructure and energy efficiency. - European Social Fund Plus (ESF+): Focusing on social inclusion with €7.34 billion dedicated to improving access to housing-related services. - InvestEU Programme: Offering €2.8 billion for affordable social housing projects aimed at disadvantaged groups. - Horizon Europe: Funding research into innovative solutions for housing inequalities. - Affordable Housing Initiative: Piloting districts that combine energy efficiency with affordability. - Social Climate Fund: Allocating €65 billion from 2026–2032 for energy-efficient renovations in vulnerable households.
Case Studies
The document features 20 successful case studies demonstrating effective use of EU funds, including:
- Austria: A €200 million project that provided approximately 1,100 social housing units, addressing urban housing shortages. 2. Housing First Pilot Projects: Successful examples from Member States showing how unconditional access to permanent housing aids in societal integration for homeless individuals.
Policy Recommendations
The toolkit advocates for a place-based approach to urban regeneration and a person-centered approach tailored to various target groups, including homeless individuals and marginalized communities. It also encourages leveraging resources from multiple EU programs to enhance the impact on affordable housing.
Challenges Addressed
The report tackles several pressing challenges, including rising living costs due to inflation, energy poverty affecting nearly 10% of EU citizens, and the insufficient supply of affordable rental units in urban areas.
Conclusion
This operational toolkit emphasizes the essential role of EU funds in addressing social housing challenges across Europe. By offering practical guidance and showcasing replicable case studies, it aims to motivate stakeholders—including policymakers and financial institutions—to adopt effective strategies for inclusive housing solutions. It stresses that addressing the housing crisis requires a comprehensive approach that encompasses economic, social, and environmental considerations.