The workshop built on the first edition held on 8 June this year, this time taking the discussions further on social acceptance and tenant engagement, risk-sharing mechanisms and management and maintenance business models, to help scale non-profit and limited-profit municipal housing across Europe.
After a keynote speech, by professor Niccolò Cusumano from SDA Bocconi in Italy, about the nature and challenges of municipal housing organisations, the thematic discussions were held against the background of case studies presented by Spain, Denmark, The Netherlands and Italy.
During the discussions it was concluded that achieving social acceptance is a long-term process that requires cooperation among different municipal departments and stakeholders. Various models for tenant democracy. e.g. tenants’ boards and unions, are used in different member states as a way of increasing influence as well as long-term engagement. The exchange on management and maintenance business models included the resilience to natural disasters and climate change perspective. Housing Europe recently published a report on how housing providers across Europe prepare to be Climate-resilient: Climate adaptation in public, cooperative, and social housing in Europe · Housing Europe
Stefan Moser, Head of Unit, Housing Task Force, announced that further thematic workshops are planned. All information on upcoming workshops will be announced in the weekly newsletter as well as posted on the dedicated website: Events - Housing - European Commission.
Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General, Housing Europe, highlighted the upcoming European Responsible Housing Awards. Application is open until the 31st of December 2026, and inspiring social or affordable housing projects from all over Europe are encouraged to apply. Winners will be announced at the next International Social Housing Festival in 7-9 June 2027, in Lisbon.
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