Social housing is a vital tool in combating homelessness and countering the negative effects of housing financialisation. Unlike market-driven affordable housing, social housing is rooted in community values, prioritising human dignity, access to services, and social inclusion. However, its development is hindered by a lack of accessible, tailored financial products and an imbalanced regulatory framework that places undue burden on small ethical finance providers.
In this paper, FEBEA outlines key challenges and policy recommendations to support the growth of social housing in Europe. We call on EU policymakers—including the Commissioner for Energy and Housing, the European Commission’s cross-DG Project Group, and the HOUS Special Committee—to ensure financial inclusion, reform prudential regulation, and empower ethical financiers and social economy actors. We also urge the upcoming EIB platform and the Social Climate Fund to prioritise small, community-based providers, ensuring that housing remains a fundamental right, not a speculative asset.
On the context of this paper, FEBEA is organizing a Workshop (May 23) to further explore the findings and proposals of the paper. The session will include:
- A presentation by the paper’s author, Anna Ghilardi, and FEBEA’s Policy Manager, Valentina Patetta.
- Real-world examples from ethical finance practitioners already engaged in social housing initiatives across Europe.
- A stakeholder dialogue between EU institutions, housing experts, and social economy actors.
About FEBEA:
The European Federation of Ethical and Alternative Banks and Financiers (FEBEA) is an organisation dedicated to supporting ethical finance institutions in Europe. FEBEA gathers 34 financial organisations from 17 different countries across Europe. The network advocates for and facilitates sustainable financing options that prioritise social and environmental impact, transparency, and democracy. Through its network, FEBEA connects members with EU funding opportunities and offers resources, training, and consultation to help navigate complex funding landscapes, especially within programs like ESF+ and InvestEU.
Link to FEBEA’s website: www.febea.org
