Representatives from 20 European countries gathered in Dublin on 3 – 4 November for the 4th European Housing Policy Network (EHPN) meeting, hosted by Ireland’s Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, with support from the European Institute of Public Administration (EIPA) and the Dutch Ministry of Housing and Spatial Planning.
Opening the meeting, Caroline Timmons, Assistant Secretary General at Ireland’s Department of Housing, underlined the importance of the EHPN as a collaborative platform to share best practices and develop joint responses to Europe’s housing challenges. She reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to advancing affordable, sustainable and inclusive housing.
Showcasing Ireland’s Housing Reforms and Innovation
The event highlighted Ireland’s housing transformation, with John Coleman, CEO of the Land Development Agency (LDA), outlining how the agency is unlocking state land to deliver up to 25,000 affordable and social homes in major cities.
Participants also toured the Montpelier Development in Dublin, where a partnership between the city council, Tuath Housing, and Bartra showcased how public–private collaboration turns policy into homes.
Claragh Mulhern presented the Planning and Development Act 2024, the most comprehensive planning reform in over six decades. The new system introduces 10-year development plans, Urban Development Zones, and streamlined judicial reviews, aimed at making planning more transparent and predictable.
Shared European Challenges and Innovative Responses
Day two focused on cross-country insights. Shane Burke from Ireland’s Housing Agency presented early findings from “Comparing Land Management and Governance, Housing Delivery Frameworks, and Construction Practices among Member Countries”, developed with the EIPA Secretariat. The results show that regulation, financing, and skills shortages still slow down progress. At the same time, digital tools and cooperation between public and private actors are helping move projects forward. A clear planning process and steady public support are essential to keeping projects on track and delivering homes in a sustainable way.
During the discussion, Austria, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, the UK, and Ireland shared examples from their own contexts, highlighting that high land and construction costs continue to be major barriers to affordability.
National Highlights: Germany and Poland
Germany showcased its Bau-Turbo Programme, a €21 billion reform package to accelerate construction and modernise urban planning, while Poland presented how its National Real Estate Stock (NRES) is leveraging public land to expand affordable housing options.
European Commission Updates on Affordable Housing Plan
Eline ’S Gravemade from the European Commission Housing Taskforce provided an update on the forthcoming European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP), expected to be adopted in December 2025. The plan will aim to:
Mobilise public and private investment in affordable housing
Support national reforms to accelerate supply
Promote knowledge exchange through the Affordable Housing Dialogue
The EAHP responds to a Europe-wide housing crisis marked by rising prices, reduced building permits, and growing social demand. It will prioritise vulnerable groups such as the elderly, students, and newcomers.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the EHPN
Members expressed interest in extending the EHPN beyond 2026, exploring ways to further develop the network. Future priorities include research partnerships, digital tools, and capacity building to strengthen housing delivery across Europe.
EIPA will continue to support the EHPN as secretariat and the next meeting will take place in Bern, Switzerland, on 20 – 21 May 2026.
Key Takeaways
The 4th EHPN meeting in Dublin reaffirmed the network’s role in supporting collaboration on Europe’s housing challenges. Discussions showed that effective land management, clear governance, and flexible financing are essential to deliver homes where they are most needed. With the European Affordable Housing Plan in preparation, the meeting confirmed that housing remains a top EU priority and that the EHPN is a useful space for countries to exchange experience and shape policy.
