Financing the social housing sector: which models?
On Friday 21st of May 2021, the Sustainable, Long-term investments & Competitive European Industry Intergroup in the European Parliament held its online conference on « Financing the social housing sector: which models? ». Chaired by MEP Simona Bonafè and overseen by Commissioner Nicolas Schmit, this event focused on exploring different models of financing of the social housing sector in Europe and how they can be articulated. National Promotional Banks and Institutions (NPBIs), long-term investors, very active in financing social housing shared their experience in articulating national public resources, EU funding and private capital, along social impact private investors and experts on the field.
The panel discussion was moderated by Helmut Von Glasenapp, Secretary General of the European Long Term Investors Association (ELTI). It took place in a context where the recession following the COVID-19 pandemic grants an increasing role to housing, making it especially harder for the most deprived to work in decent conditions. At the same time, social housing is considered an essential lever to achieve energy efficiency objectives and fight against energy poverty, as set out by the Renovation Wave. It is finally a key principle in the implementation of the European Pillar of Social Rights. As a result, adequate and sufficient sources of funding are required.
The panel discussion gathered:
- Anna Athanasopoulou, Head of Unit, Proximity, Social Economy, Creative Industries, DG Grow,
European Commission - Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General, Housing Europe
- Marco Doglio, Chief Real Estate Officer – Cassa Depositi e Prestiti
- François de Borchgrave, Founder and Managing Partner, KOIS
- Laurent Ghekiere, European Affairs Director, Union Sociale de l’Habitat on the European alliance
for Sustainable and inclusive social housing
Closing remarks were provided by Francesco Profumo, President of ACRI (Associazione di Fondazioni e di Casse di
Risparmio) and President of the Fondazione Compagnia San Paolo.
Contact:
Caroline François-Marsal, secretariat@investmentindustryintergroup.eu
