Seamus Boland emphasises the lack of access to affordable housing in Europe as an urgent issue that requires immediate EU-level action. In his interview, he links this housing crisis with widespread poverty affecting over 93 million Europeans, more than one fifth of the population, and highlights its role in broader social isolation, particularly for young people, women, children and vulnerable groups.
Boland points to positive developments, including the first inclusion of housing on the European Council agenda and the forthcoming plan for affordable housing, while supporting EU investments to address shortages, curb excessive rent increases, expand social housing and integrate energy affordability with sustainability through renovations.
The Irish president of the EESC, a farmer by profession, is a fighter shaped by personal experience. He understands how civil society can support the vulnerable and the importance of social policy. Boland left school at 13 to manage the family farm after his father fell ill. Thanks to civil society, he was able to continue his education and training in later years and overcome poverty.
Expectations from Cyprus EU presidency
"I have high expectations, especially following my recent visit to Cyprus for the first official event of your Presidency at the EU Council and my meetings with President Nikos Christodoulides and Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna. I particularly appreciate their strong commitment to dialogue and cooperation with organised civil society in Europe, which the EESC proudly represents, during the Cypriot Presidency.
Citizen participation through civil society organisations representing communities, workers and businesses is absolutely essential to promote unity and social cohesion in the EU."
Boland highlights areas of synergy between the Cypriot Presidency and his priorities as EESC President, which focus on putting civil society at the heart of Europe. His priorities include eradicating poverty, promoting affordable housing, implementing the Migration Pact with humanity and justice, and promoting water resilience through the EU’s Blue Deal.
Social priorities are key
Boland notes that the EESC is already collaborating extensively with the incoming Cypriot Presidency on social issues. "The Cypriot government asked the EESC to provide expert positions on 14 topics, covering housing, energy connectivity, over-tourism, water resilience, education, enlargement and competitiveness. Our positions are valuable because they represent the consensus of employers, workers and civil society organisations and act as a bridge between EU institutions and society."
On migration, he stresses the need for "an effective, transparent, humane and sustainable implementation of the Migration and Asylum Pact, balancing border control measures with full respect for human rights and international protection obligations."
Combating poverty
"Fighting poverty is my central priority as EESC President. Over 93.3 million Europeans, more than one fifth of the population, are at risk of poverty or social exclusion. We will demand that EU institutions are accountable in eliminating poverty."
Affordable housing is a key element of this goal and a major priority. Boland underlines that the housing shortage in Europe is an urgent situation that must be addressed as such. He recently shared this message with European Council President António Costa and looks forward to working with him and the Cypriot Presidency on this issue.
Water resilience: A strategic priority
Boland highlights water as a high-priority issue for the Cypriot Presidency. Cyprus faces significant water scarcity and desertification risks. "Approximately 10 million Europeans still lack access to affordable, quality water and sanitation and are at risk of water poverty. Water must be a strategic priority across all EU policies, beyond environmental and climate aspects, as it ensures societal resilience. Water resilience is therefore also a security and crisis preparedness issue."
The EESC was the first EU body to place water on the European agenda, calling in 2023 for a comprehensive EU Blue Deal integrating water management across all policies. Boland emphasises collaboration with the Cypriot Presidency to ensure effective implementation and monitoring of this strategy.
Main challenges
"Persistent and widespread poverty remains the main social and economic challenge facing the EU. Over 20 per cent of the EU population lives in poverty, with women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups most affected. Worker poverty remains a reality for many Europeans. Economic growth and employment alone are not enough to eradicate poverty."
He stresses the importance of dignity, justice and inclusion, and outlines the EESC’s plans to implement the EU’s first anti-poverty strategy and hold an annual high-level conference on poverty reduction.
Affordable housing & energy
Boland notes that EU policies on affordable housing and energy have not fully addressed urgent needs. "Many, especially younger people, are deprived of this fundamental right. The EU can and must do much more. Positive signs exist, including the first inclusion of housing on the European Council agenda in October. Action must be human-centred and involve civil society."
Energy costs are closely linked to housing affordability. Boland emphasises that energy affordability and sustainability are integral to policy solutions.
"Social partners, including employers, workers and civil society organisations, are on the front line supporting vulnerable populations across the EU. Without organised civil society, many marginalised groups would have no support network or voice. I am living proof of this. I left school at 13 to run my family farm, but thanks to civil society, I continued my education, overcame poverty and later dedicated my career to supporting excluded groups, including people with disabilities, Irish Travellers and vulnerable youth."
He concludes by stressing that the EESC amplifies civil society voices, especially those of the vulnerable and forgotten, within EU institutions. "Without the EESC, these voices would not be heard."