Chatting with Eckhard Forst: A Conversation on Brussels' Focus on Affordable Housing and Economic Growth
Eckhard Forst, the VÖB President, Talks EU Commission's Shift Towards Affordable Housing and Competitive Economy
EU potentially offering aid in addressing housing challenges
In an informal chat with Financial Times, Eckhard Forst, the VÖB President, highlighted the importance of affordable housing and his support for Brussels' increased engagement in this area.
By Detlef Fechtner, Brussels
"We're in desperate need of affordable housing, and it's about time more players jump in to aid the cause," Forst declares emphatically. He pins his hope on the EU Commission, which recently appointed a dedicated Commissioner for housing, as the key to tackling this challenge.
The EU Commission has shown a strong commitment to addressing affordability issues, and Forst welcomes this positive shift in perspective. Regional and national promotional banks should not be the only ones addressing this issue, he suggests.
The European Commission's Silver Bullet: EU Affordable Housing Plan
The European Commission is taking the lead with its EU Affordable Housing Plan, geared towards improving housing affordability through a multifaceted approach that targets investment, training, productivity, and environmental performance in the construction sector. The plan offers technical assistance to cities and member states, helping them lower building costs, increase labor force skills, and enhance the sustainability of their construction projects.
The Power of Financial Institutions: The Role of Regional and National Promotional Banks
Regional and national promotional banks like the European Investment Bank (EIB) are playing an instrumental role by providing financial support for affordable housing initiatives. The EIB helps attract both public and private investment in housing projects, which are essential for developing and maintaining a diverse range of housing options.
In a groundbreaking move, the EU is planning to develop a pan-European investment platform to support affordable housing projects. This platform will focus on expanding public and social housing, as well as promoting cooperative and community-led housing models.
Brussels in the Spotlight: How the City Benefits from EU Strategies
Although specific initiatives for Brussels aren't detailed in the available information, the broader EU strategies can benefit Brussels indirectly. By allowing increased investment in affordable housing across the EU, Brussels may gain access to enhanced funding opportunities for local projects. Moreover, the EU's emphasis on non-profit and cooperative housing models could foster similar initiatives in Brussels.
Wrapping It Up: A Brighter Future for Housing Across Europe
By developing and implementing policies that support affordable housing, financial institutions, and strategic partnerships, the EU Commission aims to improve housing affordability for millions of Europeans. Cities like Brussels stand to benefit from these efforts, as access to affordable housing options becomes more accessible and diverse.
- Eckhard Forst, the VÖB President, expressed his optimism about the European Commission's increased focus on affordable housing, stating, "We're in desperate need of affordable housing, and it's about time more players jump in to aid the cause."
- Forst believes that the EU Commission's recent appointment of a dedicated Commissioner for housing is a key move towards tackling the challenge of housing affordability, and he encouraged regional and national promotional banks to play a more active role.
- The European Commission's Affordable Housing Plan includes measures to improve housing affordability through targeted investments, training, productivity, and environmental performance in the construction sector, providing technical assistance to cities and member states.
- Brussels may indirectly benefit from the EU's strategies on affordable housing, allowing for increased investment opportunities for local projects and encouraging the growth of non-profit and cooperative housing models.
