Access to affordable, sustainable, and high-quality housing for all is among the European Union’s most pressing social challenges, Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou said on Thursday.
Speaking at a session of the European Parliament’s Employment and Social Affairs Committee (EMPL), Ioannou outlined the housing priorities of Cyprus’ Presidency of the Council of the EU. Labour Minister Marinos Mousiouttas and Deputy Minister of Social Welfare Klea Hatzistefanou Papaellina also participated, presenting their respective policy areas
A fundamental right
Ioannou described housing as a fundamental right and essential for dignity, social participation, and overall well-being. “Adequate housing ensures safety, active participation in society, and mitigates negative effects on health, employment, education, and quality of life,” he said. The minister noted that the issue affects a wide range of citizens, from low- and middle-income households to young families, people with disabilities, and those at risk of poverty or social exclusion.
He recalled that in October 2025 the European Council discussed the housing crisis, while in December the Danish Presidency presented conclusions on the EU Affordable Housing Plan – the first comprehensive EU framework to address the crisis, aiming to increase supply, mobilise investment, and support the most vulnerable.
Common challenges and solutions
The minister emphasised that Cyprus’ Presidency will continue to advance this work. “From the very start of our Presidency, we invited the European Commission to present the Plan in an informal online meeting with the Commissioner for Housing and member state ministers, a proposal warmly received,” he said.
In March, ministers will have the opportunity to exchange views on the Plan during the Council of Employment, Social Policy, Health, and Consumer Affairs. Cyprus will also host an informal ministerial conference in Nicosia in May, bringing together ministers and senior officials to discuss common challenges, opportunities, and innovative solutions at national and local levels.
Ioannou outlined four central priorities for the EU housing agenda under Cyprus’ Presidency. First, ensuring access to affordable and sustainable housing for all citizens, including older people and persons with disabilities. Second, strengthening and facilitating investment through public and private funds, including the pan-European investment platform for affordable and sustainable housing. Third, increasing supply through new construction, renovation, and the reuse of existing units, incorporating environmentally friendly and innovative solutions. Fourth, promoting knowledge exchange and collecting reliable, comparable data to support evidence-based policy-making.
Inclusivity
The minister stressed that these priorities will be pursued methodically and inclusively, allowing all stakeholders to contribute to shaping policies that improve housing access. “Our aim is to support a Europe that is cohesive, people-centred, and resilient, where young people, families, middle-income households, and vulnerable groups can live in safety, dignity, and fairness,” he said.
In concluding his address, Ioannou underlined that Cyprus’ Presidency seeks a Union that delivers housing and social inclusion for all citizens. Following the session, he told reporters that the Presidency will continue to act as an honest broker, promoting initiatives to strengthen housing accessibility and quality across the EU, guided by the European Commission’s Affordable Housing Plan.
“The Presidency’s work is rooted in inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience, ensuring that housing policies benefit every European citizen while supporting broader social cohesion,” he said.