Nicosia hosts informal EU ministerial meeting on housing

Cyprus is hosting an informal ministerial meeting on housing on May 11-12 in Nicosia, as part of its presidency of the Council of the European Union. Chaired by the Cypriot Minister of Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, the meeting includes participation from EU Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jorgensen and other relevant officials. The discussions focus on addressing the rising housing crisis, characterized by increasing purchase and rental prices and limited accessibility for young families. Key agenda items include reducing administrative burdens and simplifying licensing procedures to accelerate home construction and renovation. Minister Ioannou also held a bilateral meeting with Belgian Minister of Housing, Energy, Climate, Tourism and Youth, Hans Bonte, to align on European housing policy priorities. The sessions aim to promote dialogue and exchange data to support national housing strategies while respecting the principle of subsidiarity.