Implementation Dialogue on public support for affordable housing with Executive Vice-President Teresa Ribera

Objectives and main themes

The dialogue will give participants an opportunity to share with EVP Ribera their views and insights on the housing crisis, with a focus on the contribution of State aid policy to the overall action of the Commission under the European Affordable Housing Plan. Such action includes initiatives on new building projects, the renovation and better use of the existing housing stock, financing, and the dismantling of the remaining barriers within the Single Market that hinder trade and investment. An important element of the Housing Plan – and the main topic to be covered in this Implementation Dialogue – will be the revision of the State aid rules. On 3 October, the Commission launched a public consultation on the revision of the State aid rules designed to unlock public financing and bridge the investment gap for affordable housing in the EU. Interested citizens, businesses, public authorities and associations were able to contribute to the consultation until 4 November 2025 via the COMP website.

Participants are invited to debate whether the Commission’s proposal to review certain State aid rules, addresses the issues they encounter on the ground and whether these proposals are fit for purpose and balanced. Participants are also invited to suggest other initiatives at EU level to support Member States, regional and local authorities in addressing the housing crisis.

Outcome

Participants agreed on the urgency of the housing crisis and welcomed increased EU attention while stressing that housing policy must remain a Member State competence. They highlighted the complexity of the challenges (structural supply shortages, rising demand, and recent economic shocks) which require a comprehensive, multi-level response. In this context, State aid was seen as one important element among broader measures, with participants emphasising the need for flexibility, subsidiarity, and continued strong support for social housing.

Participants called for clear and predictable State aid rules, as well as safeguards to avoid market distortions. Many also pointed to broader financial needs, including improved access to long-term EU funding and EIB instruments, and welcomed the Commission’s planned pan-European funding platform as a step forward.

EVP Ribera thanked the participants and took good note of their views and suggestions. She underlined the Commission’s ongoing work to provide clarity and reassurance through a flexible and voluntary State aid framework that fully respects national contexts, while avoiding unnecessary administrative burden. She reaffirmed that the rules should support both social and affordable housing and operate as a practical, enabling tool for Member States and regional and local authorities. In closing, she stressed her commitment to continue refining State aid rules as part of a broader collective effort to address the housing crisis.