In Brussels, Denis Itxaso called on Europe to “not forget about the housing crisis” and stating that "The geopolitical debate on defence and security cannot diminish the targets for community investment in housing.”

• The Basque Minister for Housing and the Urban Agenda addressed the REGI Committee of the European Parliament, advocating for "large-scale and sustained investment in housing," applied with convergence criteria to reduce regional disparities. "It is crucial that, alongside rearmament plans, Europe takes a stand against the risks of radicalisation and populist authoritarianism," he added. "This can be achieved by implementing a structural programme to build affordable housing that offers hope to the middle classes and reduces the risk of social injustice.”

• Addressing the European Parliament members, Itxaso called for a housing renovation strategy in Europe that goes beyond energy efficiency, incorporating accessibility at all levels, a policy that would also benefit the competitive Basque vertical transport industry.

The Basque Government Minister for Housing and the Urban Agenda, Denis Itxaso, participated in a joint public hearing of the European Parliament's Committee on Regional Development (REGI) and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) this Wednesday.  The session, titled ‘Towards a European Plan for Housing: Perspectives on urban and rural areas’, brought together policymakers, experts from various European regions, and financial institutions like the European Investment Bank to discuss the role of cohesion policy in promoting affordable housing.

In his speech, ‘Access to housing in a complex geopolitical context: a key challenge for the social and economic future of Europe,’ Itxaso warned that "Geopolitical threats and security needs cannot, and must not, compromise community housing objectives." He emphasised that reversing this would be "a serious mistake that future generations will pay for. The Basque Minister continued “In addition to rearmament plans, Europe must protect itself against political radicalisation and populist authoritarianism, particularly from those seeking to encourage it from beyond our borders. A structural programme to build affordable housing offers hope to European middle classes and addresses the growing threat of social injustice.”

Itxaso dedicated part of his address to the upcoming debate in the Basque Parliament on the law regarding Urgent Measures in Housing and Urban Planning. He highlighted bureaucracy and lengthy urban planning procedures as major obstacles within the housing value chain.

Defence of Subsidised and Collective Housing Models

Itxaso stressed the importance of Europe committing to a subsidised and collective housing model. "This form of coexistence has historically led to greater social integration and cohesion than in other Western regions,” he stated, adding that collective housing is a cornerstone of Europe’s identity and should remain a fundamental pillar of the EU's social dimension.

He also pointed out that the housing crisis affects the entire continent, with the strain on the residential market undermining social cohesion, economic competitiveness, and territorial balance. "The number of households is growing faster than the number of new homes," he warned, reiterating that decisive intervention by European institutions is essential to ensure access to decent and affordable housing.

The Minister outlined the policies implemented by the Basque Government in recent decades, including land policies, support for subsidised housing, public intermediation in the rental market, and economic benefits linked to the right to housing. He noted that the Basque Country is increasing its public housing investment and must continue innovating in housing policies "to meet demand that has surpassed our capacity.” He highlighted measures such as the declaration of tense areas, which limit rent increases, applied in several EU states, and the ongoing tax reforms in the Basque territories as examples of steps to improve access to housing.

Itxaso praised the impact of Next Generation Funds, noting that is has been “a great backing for housing policy in our country” The €50 million from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) has enabled the construction of over 1,500 new homes. He also underscored the renovation potential of these funds, with the “Basque Country having renovated over 20,000 homes by combining €144 million from the RRF with €60 million from the Basque Government’s own funds”, due to the energy renovation projects initiated by residents' associations. The Minister highlighted that, given the age of the housing stock in Southern Europe, "it is essential that renovations focus not only on energy efficiency but also on accessibility.”

Sustained Investment Strategy Over Time with Convergence Criteria

Itxaso called for Europe to develop "large-scale, long-term investment policies... This is not about a one-off Marshall Plan,” He explained. "Rather, it’s about a sustained strategy that allows cities and metropolitan regions to implement recurring plans to expand the housing stock.”

He urged the European Union to set clear convergence goals for housing and to allocate funds specifically for expanding the social housing stock, aligning efforts to reduce disparities between European regions.  He noted that the European average for public social or rental housing is between 9% and 12%, while Spain only reaches 3-4%. "Harmonising these indicators and ensuring the effective use of European funds to improve access to housing is crucial," he emphasised.

Renovation Must Integrate Accessibility

Itxaso argued that the housing renovation strategy in Europe should not focus solely on energy efficiency but should integrate accessibility throughout. "The Basque Country offers a powerful and competitive vertical transport industry, which contributes to our European strategic autonomy," he explained. "Universal accessibility in our older neighbourhoods, built during the 20th century’s industrialisation, equates to equity and social cohesion.” Given that the Basque Country has the oldest housing stock in Southern Europe, with an average age of 60 years,

Itxaso stressed the need for balanced investments in decarbonisation and social inclusion, particularly in areas with large elderly or disabled populations.

Key Meetings in Brussels

Yesterday, Itxaso held a meeting with Irene Tinagli, chair of the Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union. This morning, he participated in a policy breakfast with key European Commission representatives, including Matthew Baldwin, Director-General for Energy and head of the Housing Group, Kadri Uustal, Head of Unit at the Housing DG REGIO, Barbara Baka, the Polish representative to the European Union, and Peter Hedegaard-Degn, the Danish representative to the European Union, along with other stakeholders from Housing Europe, Habitat International, the International Union of Tenants, FEANTSA, UIPI, Production Products Europe, and the European Builders Confederation.

Itxaso will continue his Brussels agenda with high-level meetings aimed at strengthening cross-border housing collaboration. These include:

• Discussions with Teresa Ribera, Executive Vice-President for a Clean, Just and Competitive Transition, on the role of cohesion policy in financing residential infrastructure and investment opportunities in sustainable housing.
• Discussions with Mathew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General. Energy Directorate-General (ENER) and chair of the Housing Group of the European Union, to explore public-private partnership models and financing mechanisms to expand the affordable housing stock.

Focused on defending housing as a pillar of social progress and economic competitiveness within the EU, Denis Itxaso is elevating the public and political debate on the housing issue. The Basque Government has urged European representatives to act with empathy and sensitivity toward the middle classes, ensuring that housing, as a necessity, is not overshadowed by the geopolitical urgencies of rearmament plans dominating current discussions.  Itxaso has called for increased resources and the creation of a sustainable subsidised housing programme to demonstrate a firm commitment by European institutions to address this growing social need.