Minister Maljevac’s proposal for a common EU approach in the field of housing

Brussels – Slovenian Minister for Solidarity Future Simon Maljevac presented Slovenia’s proposals for shaping a common EU approach in the field of housing policy during a meeting with the relevant European Commissioner Dan Joergensen in Brussels on Friday. Among other things, he pointed out the restrictive EU rules regarding state aid, the ministry reported.

The Minister for Solidarity Future and the Commissioner discussed the preparation of a European plan for affordable housing, within which Brussels aims to develop effective policies to eliminate the structural factors of the housing crisis in the EU. The plan also aims to stimulate public and private investments in affordable housing.

As reported by the Ministry for Solidarity Future, Maljevac made numerous proposals for shaping a common EU approach in the field of housing policy during the meeting. “One of the important limitations for national housing policies is the state aid rules, which are unclear and restrictive from the perspective of financing the construction of affordable housing,” his words were quoted by the ministry.

He added that the EU should take into account the differences between member states in financial and regulatory solutions, and pointed out that the current funding sources through the European Investment Bank are often inadequate for smaller member states. Furthermore, in his opinion, the definition of housing that can be built by countries in accordance with EU legislation should include housing accessible to the widest possible range of citizens, and not just social housing.

Commissioner Joergensen stated that the Commission is open to proposals from member states, which will be reviewed and considered in the development of the action plan. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced in her speech on the state of the EU in the European Parliament on Wednesday that the plan will be presented later this year. (September 12)