European Commission
2024
Mr. Grzegorz Gajewski
The document "Social Housing and Beyond: Operational Toolkit on the Use of EU Funds for Investments in Social Housing and Associated Services" provides a comprehensive guide for leveraging EU funds to tackle housing challenges in Europe. Completed by Mr. Grzegorz Gajewski, it highlights the critical issues of housing affordability and access, emphasizing that nearly 8.7% of EU citizens spend over 40% of their disposable income on housing. The toolkit outlines various EU funding mechanisms, including the Recovery and Resilience Facility and the European Social Fund Plus, aimed at supporting social housing initiatives. It presents successful case studies and offers policy recommendations, such as adopting person-centered approaches and leveraging synergies between different funds. Overall, the document serves as a resource for stakeholders seeking to implement effective strategies for inclusive housing solutions, addressing the complex interplay of economic, social, and environmental factors in the housing crisis.
The document titled "Social Housing and Beyond: Operational Toolkit on the Use of EU Funds for Investments in Social Housing and Associated Services" was completed by Mr. Grzegorz Gajewski under the European Commission's Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs, and Inclusion in December 2023. It was published by the Publications Office of the European Union in 2024. The toolkit provides a comprehensive guide on leveraging EU funds to address social housing challenges across Member States during the 2021–2027 programming period.
Context
The report addresses the pressing housing crisis in the European Union, where affordability and access to decent housing have become significant challenges. Between 2010 and 2023, house purchase prices increased by 48%, while rents rose by 23%. In 2022, nearly 8.7% of EU citizens spent over 40% of their disposable income on housing. The document emphasizes the importance of social housing as a cornerstone for fostering social inclusion, economic opportunities, and territorial cohesion.
Key Findings
EU Funding Opportunities
The toolkit outlines various EU funding mechanisms that can support investments in social housing and associated services:
- Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF): Allocates €15.1 billion for social housing reforms and investments, focusing on energy-efficient renovations, new public utility housing, and legal reforms.
- European Regional Development Fund (ERDF): Provides €215 billion for projects promoting socioeconomic inclusion through housing infrastructure, desegregation measures, and energy efficiency.
- European Social Fund Plus (ESF+): Focuses on social inclusion, allocating €7.34 billion to improve access to housing-related services such as eviction prevention and Housing First initiatives.
- InvestEU Programme: Offers €2.8 billion under its Social Investment and Skills window for affordable social housing projects targeting disadvantaged groups.
- Horizon Europe: Funds research into innovative solutions addressing housing inequalities, with projects like Equalhouse and HouseInc exploring systemic approaches to affordable housing.
- Affordable Housing Initiative (under the Single Market Programme): Pilots 100 lighthouse districts combining energy efficiency with affordability and liveability.
- Social Climate Fund: Allocates €65 billion from 2026–2032 to support energy-efficient renovations in vulnerable households, including social housing.
Case Studies
The document includes 20 case studies showcasing successful applications of EU funds:
- Austria – Intermediated Financing for Affordable Housing: A €200 million project supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Erste Bank delivered approximately 1,100 social housing units across Austria. This initiative addressed urban housing shortages while promoting sustainable urban development.
- Housing First Pilot Projects: Examples from various Member States demonstrate how providing unconditional access to permanent housing can help integrate homeless individuals into society.
Policy Recommendations
- Adopt a place-based approach: Integrate urban regeneration with inclusive housing policies to reduce segregation and support marginalized communities.
- Promote a person-centered approach: Tailor interventions to specific target groups such as homeless individuals, persons with disabilities, Roma communities, migrants, and LGBTIQ people.
- Leverage synergies between funds: Combine resources from multiple EU programs to maximize impact on affordable housing.
Challenges Addressed
- Rising costs of living due to inflation and interest rate hikes.
- Energy poverty affecting nearly 10% of EU citizens.
- Insufficient supply of affordable rental units in urban centers.
Conclusion
The toolkit underscores the critical role of EU funds in addressing Europe’s social housing challenges. By providing practical guidance on accessing these resources and showcasing replicable case studies, it aims to inspire stakeholders—including policymakers, managing authorities, project promoters, and financial institutions—to implement effective strategies for inclusive housing solutions. The document highlights that tackling the housing crisis requires a holistic approach encompassing economic, social, and environmental dimensions.