Europe is facing a social and housing crisis that weakens cohesion and threatens its competitiveness by limiting labour and educational mobility. The European Commission published the European Affordable Housing Plan to address this challenge. The plan provides a comprehensive strategy to tackle housing shortages, improve affordability and support vulnerable groups across the EU. The plan places a strong emphasis on tackling labour skills shortages through large-scale training and apprenticeship programmes. The New European Bauhaus Academy (NEB Academy), which is being established by a Horizon Europe project coordinated by University of Primorska and located at InnoRenew CoE, is identified as a key instrument to equip construction ecosystem professionals with the skills needed to drive innovation, sustainability and affordability in housing construction and renovation.

The plan sets out a series of actions to increase housing supply, mobilise investment, drive structural reforms, and ensure targeted support for those most affected by rising housing costs. It highlights key focus areas, including regulation of short-term rentals, tackling speculation in housing markets, boosting social and affordable housing and supporting young people, students and essential workers in accessing adequate housing. Through these measures, the Commission aims to create sustainable, inclusive and high-quality housing solutions, while reinforcing legal certainty and transparency for all stakeholders.

Achieving these goals will not be easy, and the plan acknowledges the key role of education and skills development in transforming the construction sector to support sustainability and innovation. It highlights the NEB Academy’s contribution to this vision through providing high-quality training in bio-based, circular and regenerative construction techniques, equipping workers, professionals and policymakers with the skills needed to implement energy-efficient and sustainable housing solutions across Europe.

By linking the European Affordable Housing Plan with initiatives like the NEB Academy, the Commission underlines the connection between housing policy, green skills and sustainable construction practices. This integrated approach helps address both immediate housing needs and the long-term transition to climate-resilient and low-carbon buildings.

The Commission invites Member States, local authorities and stakeholders to engage in the implementation of the plan and in collaborative initiatives such as the European Housing Alliance and NEB Academy, helping to ensure that housing policies are innovative, inclusive, and sustainable across Europe.

University of Primorska, with its partners in the New European Bauhaus Academy Alliance Horizon Europe project, will continue to strengthen skills and knowledge in sustainable construction.

Read mora about the European Affordable Housing Plan here.