Housing systems across EU countries exhibit significant diversity in purpose, ownership, tenure, provider types, beneficiary categories, funding, and rent subsidy arrangements. At the same time, however, challenges related to housing affordability and sustainability are a common issue throughout Europe.
To address these challenges, the European Housing Policy Network (EHPN) was established in 2024. This initiative, spearheaded and funded by the Dutch Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning and supported by the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) as its secretariat, aims to unite national housing policymakers from EU Member States. The network facilitates the exchange of knowledge, fosters innovation, and seeks to enhance housing policies.
Since its inception, the EHPN has gathered members from 19 participating countries, providing a platform for regular discussions on common housing challenges and the dissemination of good practices.
First network meetings
During its initial three-year phase, the EHPN has planned to host two in-person meetings annually, focusing on critical issues such as access to affordable housing, financing, energy efficiency, housing regulation, vulnerable groups, and sustainable urban planning.
In 2024, the network’s first year, two meetings were held in Rotterdam and Maastricht, the Netherlands. These gatherings brought together permanent representatives from each participating country and topical experts in a trusted, informal setting. Discussions centred on the development of various housing projects, with particular attention to sustainability and social inclusivity.
In 2025, the meetings took place in Lisbon and Dublin, gathering representatives from 20 countries. The programme included expert surveys, field visits, and presentations on legal, financial, and governance frameworks for housing systems, as well as land-management practices and strategies for delivering affordable housing across Europe.
In 2026, the 5th EHPN meeting took place in Bern, Switzerland, attracting the largest group of participants to date and focusing on the central role of tenancy law in public housing policy across Europe.
These meetings also benefited from the active involvement of the European Commission’s Housing Task Force, which contributed insights on policy developments and emerging priorities in the housing field.
The European Affordable Housing Plan and the launch of the European Housing Alliance by the European Commission reaffirms that housing remains high on the EU agenda and the EHPN continues to provide an important platform for peer learning and joint reflection.
Members expressed strong interest in keeping the network active beyond 2026, recognising its growing relevance in connecting national approaches, supporting EU-level initiatives, and strengthening collaboration between countries, organisations, and the European Commission.
Should you have questions or an interest in joining the network, please reach out to: ehpn-secretariat@eipa.eu
