The message that addressing the housing crisis requires a common European approach and coordinated solutions was highlighted at the press conference organized by the Real Estate Development Association and Build Europe on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Nicosia, ahead of the Informal Ministerial Meeting on Housing held as part of the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the EU.
Opening the press conference, the President of the Real Estate Development Association, Giannis Misirlis, emphasized that at the European level, the development of new residential units continues to lag behind the growing demand. He also stressed that tackling the crisis presupposes a clear shift toward policies that enhance supply, adding that “the private sector has a dynamism that must be harnessed. Land development entrepreneurs possess the expertise, capital management discipline, and ability to implement projects.”
In this context, the President of the Association highlighted specific policy priorities that must be prioritized, such as accelerating licensing procedures, ensuring stability and predictability in the regulatory framework, and adopting a realistic and implementable approach to the green transition.
From the Build Europe side, President Andreas Ibel emphasized the decisive role of private land development entrepreneurs in implementing new projects, underscoring that their ability to respond depends on the existence of a stable and supportive political and regulatory environment.
In conclusion, Ibel noted that “the European Union must adapt its housing and energy policies to today’s geopolitical and economic conditions, characterized by inflationary pressures, increased construction costs, and stricter financial conditions. Europe does not lack demand or construction capabilities, but a policy framework that enables large-scale implementation.”
Closing the event, the President of the Association, Giannis Misirlis, emphasized that effectively addressing the housing problem can serve as a catalyst for broader progress, stressing that “by enhancing access to housing, we strengthen Europe’s development, empower social cohesion, and ensure that housing is a right and foundation of opportunities for all citizens, not an obstacle.”
He thanked Build Europe for the collaboration and contribution to highlighting an issue concerning all of Europe, underscoring the importance of dialogue and joint action in addressing the housing crisis.
