The EESC brings civil society's expertise to the table for housing ministers in Cyprus

The EESC was actively engaged in the Informal Ministerial Meeting on Housing, held under the Cyprus Presidency on 11–12 May 2026 in Cyprus. Marcin Nowacki, TEN Section President; Thomas Kattnig, EESC Rapporteur and TEN Bureau Vice-President; and Krzysztof Balon, Vice-President of Civil Society Organisations’ Group, represented the Committee.

At the heart of the discussions were two key priorities: simplifying procedures to accelerate housing delivery and mobilising investment to unlock Europe’s housing potential.

As a key institutional partner, the EESC delivered a clear and consistent message: effective housing policies must remain firmly anchored in the real needs of people. By bringing forward the collective expertise of organised civil society, the Committee reaffirmed its unique role as a bridge between EU decision-making and citizens’ realities.

At a time when housing is at the top of the European agenda, EESC members continue to ensure that solutions are not only faster and better financed, but also fair, sustainable and inclusive — truly reflecting the voice of civil society across Europe.

Marcin NOWACKI 

President of the TEN Section of the European  Economic and Social Committee

Cyprus Housing Ministerial meeting: Charting a Path to Inclusive Housing Policies

At the Informal EU Ministerial Meeting on Housing in Cyprus, TEN Section President Marcin Nowacki led the EESC delegation in discussions aimed at strengthening Europe’s housing policies to ensure they are inclusive, sustainable, and fit for the future. Discussions reinforced that housing is a strategic investment that underpins social cohesion, economic competitiveness, and the green transition. Nowacki was clear: simplifying regulations must translate into real affordability and quality, not just red-tape reduction. Meanwhile, Thomas Kattnig, EESC Rapporteur called for bold measures, including a reinforced right to affordable housing, expanded social and limited-profit housing models, and targeted funding  to support young people, families, and sustainable living. "Housing policy isn’t about buildings, but about people’s futures. If we fail to act decisively now, we risk deepening inequality and undermining Europe’s social fabric," Kattnig warned.

At Europe Housing Day 2026, Rudolf Kolbe, EESC rapporteur delivered a stark warning: Europe’s housing crisis has escalated beyond manageable levels, with soaring prices, stagnant wages and persistent underinvestment pushing affordable housing out of reach for millions. Speaking at the event’s opening session, Kolbe emphasized that housing is no longer just a social issue, it’s an economic cornerstone that must be prioritized in the next Multiannual Financial Framework. The discussion underscored the need for a multi-faceted response, including accelerated construction, large-scale renovations and smarter use of vacant properties, alongside stronger protections for tenants and expanded support for social and non-profit housing providers. Kolbe was clear: civil society and housing organizations must play a central role in crafting sustainable solutions, as top-down policies alone won’t suffice. "We’ve moved beyond the stage of cautious language, this is a crisis that demands bold, coordinated action", he stated.

At the International Transport Forum Summit 2026 in Leipzig, TEN members Baiba Miltoviča and Chiara Corazza contributed to critical discussions on building transport systems that are not only efficient but also equitable and future-proof.

Miltoviča stressed that resilience must be the guiding principle behind transport investments, ensuring that every link in the mobility chain, from major highways to last-mile connections, is robust, inclusive, and people-centred. She argued that transport infrastructure should do more than move goods and vehicles, it should connect people to opportunities, bridge skills gaps, and foster economic competitiveness. "Resilient transport isn’t just about infrastructure; it’s about creating alternative systems that are technologically viable and beneficial for both – people and economies", she noted. Meanwhile, Corazza explored the role of artificial intelligence in transport, cautioning that while AI holds immense potential for smarter, more adaptive systems, its deployment must be transparent, well-governed, and trusted by the public. The discussions reinforced a shared vision: a transport network that serves everyone, leaves no region behind, and adapts to future challenges.

In a series of targeted discussions with MEPs Penkova and Fuglsang, Thomas Kattnig, EESC rapporteur and Marcin Nowacki, TEN Section President pushed for urgent reforms to Europe’s energy infrastructure, focusing on faster permit processes, strategic grid expansion, and stronger EU coordination. The exchanges highlighted the urgency in treating energy grids as critical security infrastructure, calling for their inclusion under the Security Action for Europe Regulation. Kattnig emphasized that grid expansion is not just a technical upgrade or an end in itself, but a cornerstone of Europe’s energy independence and climate goals. He advocated for greater coordination through the EU Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators and closer alignment with National Energy and Climate Plans, ensuring that grids are future-proofed for decentralized, renewable energy systems. Financing emerged as another key theme, with the EESC stressing that funding must prioritize European value creation, job growth, and public acceptance. ”Energy grids are the backbone of our green transition and security and they deserve high strategic attention”, EESC members underlined.

At a high-level conference in Cyprus, Maurizio Mensi, EESC rapporteur, joined policymakers and industry leaders to discuss how the proposed DNA legislation can transform Europe’s telecoms landscape. Mensi highlighted that Europe’s digital future hinges on three pillars: a truly unified telecoms market, strategic autonomy to reduce external dependencies, and smart investment to drive innovation. He stressed that regulatory harmonization is also about creating a level playing field where businesses can thrive and consumers benefit from seamless, affordable connectivity. The discussions also underscored the need for Europe to assert its digital sovereignty, ensuring that critical infrastructure and emerging technologies, ranging from 6G to AI-driven networks, are developed and controlled within the EU. "The DNA is Europe’s chance to lead in the digital decade," Mensi stated.

Defence financing and industrial policy coordination are becoming pivotal to the EU’s future, with far-reaching consequences for Poland, Central Europe, and the broader continent, experts agreed at a high-level panel during Defence24 Days. Moderated by Marcin Nowacki, President of TEN Section, the discussion explored how the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 will define Europe’s long-term security architecture. This year’s Defence24 Days, now firmly established as one of Central and Eastern Europe’s premier defence events, drew over 5,500 participants from Poland and worldwide. Across 70 panels, 350 speakers from government, military, industry, and academia debated the future of security and cutting-edge defence technologies over two intensive days. The event reaffirmed its status as a key platform for shaping defence policy, fostering collaboration between public institutions, armed forces, industry leaders, and experts to address the evolving security challenges facing Europe.

The EESC and ODRAZ co-hosted a high-level partnership event, bringing together 32 stakeholders from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to discuss sustainable urban mobility and climate policies. Representatives from cities, institutions, civil society, and EU bodies, including DG MOVE, CINEA, the Committee of the Regions, and POLIS, highlighted key challenges, such as the gap between EU funding opportunities and local implementation, despite strong policy alignment. Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) and urban nodes were identified as crucial tools, but their success depends on capacity-building, data access, and cross-sector coordination. The discussions underscored that behavioural change and inclusive solutions are as vital as technical advancements. Participants called for a shift from planning to action, ensuring sustainable mobility transitions are scaled and delivered on the ground.

EESC Rapporteur Engages MEPs on Future of Connecting Europe Facility

In recent weeks, the EESC rapporteur Mateusz Szymanski held a series of targeted meetings with MEPs across the political spectrum to discuss the Connecting Europe Facility 2028-2034, following the Committee’s January 2026 opinion calling for a €100 billion budget. The exchanges highlighted broad support for the EESC’s view that current funding levels are insufficient to deliver the cross-border energy and transport investments needed to bolster EU resilience and security. The EESC’s key messages, such as increased funding, stronger social and environmental criteria, and faster implementation, resonated with many MEPs, but debates continue on how to balance EU-wide cohesion with targeted investments. The rapporteur emphasised the need for clear eligibility rules, civil society involvement, and robust monitoring to ensure transparency and impact. 

HEALTHXCHANGE 2026: Europe’s Opportunity to Lead in Holistic Health

At the European Summit HEALTHXCHANGE 2026 in Varna, Dr. Milena Angelova, EESC rapporteur delivered a keynote address on Europe’s potential to become a global leader in health through innovation, prevention, and holistic care. Angelova argued that Europe’s strength lies in its ability to integrate cutting-edge biotechnology, pharmaceutical advancements, natural therapies, and digital health solutions into a cohesive, patient-centred system. She called for greater investment in research, wider adoption of spa and wellness therapies within public health frameworks, and stronger cross-sector collaboration to align with the European Life Sciences Strategy. "Healthcare isn’t just about treating illness, it’s about fostering well-being through prevention, innovation, and accessibility. Europe has the tools to lead; now we need the political will to make it happen," she urged.

Baltic Sea Forum 2026: Collaboration as the Key to Regional Resilience

At the 2026 Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in Tallinn, Baiba Miltoviča represented the TEN section/EESC and engaged with key regional stakeholders on strengthening resilience in the Baltic Sea Region. Discussions highlighted that resilience today goes beyond responding to crises: it also means building the capacity to adapt, cooperate and prosper in a rapidly changing geopolitical and economic environment. Participants stressed the importance of reinforced cross-border alliances that support sustainability objectives across policy areas, as well as the need for a common, future-oriented vision for a smart, secure and resilient Baltic Sea Region. Miltoviča also contributed to a workshop dedicated to strategic planning and regional cooperation.

Citizen Energy Advisory Hub: Empowering local energy entities

The Citizen Energy Advisory Hub (CEAH) is empowering citizens to play an active role in Europe’s clean energy transition. Through practical tools, resources, and expert support, the initiative helps make energy more affordable, improve energy efficiency, and expand access to renewable energy solutions. CEAH supports a wide range of stakeholders, including households, small businesses, municipalities and local authorities, energy communities, social economy actors, and small-scale NGOs, in developing local initiatives such as renewable energy production and storage, energy sharing, peer-to-peer trading, and demand response solutions. In the coming weeks, CEAH will launch its second call for municipalities to receive support in hosting a Citizen Energy Panel. A one-day event engaging citizens and local actors to co-create solutions for the local energy transition

Clean energy Investment: Closing the funding gap for Europe's green transition

Delivering Europe’s clean energy transition requires unprecedented investment, far beyond what public funds alone can provide. To address this, the European Commission has launched the Clean Energy Investment Strategy, designed to connect available finance with critical energy projects, reduce investment risks, and mobilise private capital. The EESC convened a timely debate with experts from the Commission, EPSU, CEDEC, and IEEFA to assess whether this strategy can unlock the funding needed to accelerate Europe’s green transition. The discussion explored investment gaps in energy infrastructure, the balance between public and private financing, and the economic benefits of clean energy. A key concern was preserving the public-interest nature of critical infrastructure, ensuring fair access to financing, and strengthening social dialogue to align all stakeholders. Participants also raised significant challenges, including supply-chain bottlenecks, permitting delays, workforce shortages, insufficient consumer engagement, and the market readiness of emerging clean technologies. Without addressing these issues, Europe risks falling short of its climate ambitions.

Electrification action plan: Overcoming barriers to a just transition

Ahead of the European Commission’s upcoming Electrification Action Plan, the EESC brought together experts from the Commission, Peloponnese region, IndustrieAll Europe, and Energy Efficiency for Europe to tackle key challenges in Europe’s energy transition. The debate spotlighted high electricity costs, three to four times pricier than gas, as the primary barrier, risking industrial competitiveness. While some Member States are adjusting taxes to close the gap, long-term price stability remains essential to attract investment. Other hurdles include upfront costs, grid limitations, skills shortages, and technological gaps. Experts stressed that electrification should complement and not replace solutions like energy efficiency, district heating and renewable heat. The transition also requires tailored strategies for industry, transport, and buildings, alongside resilience measures such as secure supply chains and grid cybersecurity. A just transition is critical, especially in regions like Peloponnese (Greece), where phasing out coal demands retraining and new economic opportunities. The Electrification Action Plan success depends on cutting costs, ensuring fairness, and leaving no region or household behind.

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