Brussels Convening
Crossborder Collaboration: Deltametropolis Association x International Federation of Housing and Planning
Amidst ongoing crises, rising living costs, climate challenges, and housing shortages, European policymakers are pushing forward with bold new strategies to expand affordable housing. With a €270 billion investment gap and millions struggling to find secure homes, the question is: what solutions can truly transform the future of housing? Join us in Brussels to explore the answers.
For registration inquiries please contact Alankrita Sarkar
This one-day convening is your chance to dive into the big questions: How can State Aid boost housing affordability? Can industrial construction make housing more sustainable? What does a €270 billion investment gap really mean for Europe’s housing future?
WHAT TO EXPECT?
Join us as we explore:
- Expanding State Aid: How direct investments can drive affordability
- Innovation in Housing: Digitalization, prefabrication & cutting-edge solutions
- Housing-Proof Legislation: What regulatory shifts are needed?
- Governance & Local Involvement: Strengthening the EU’s housing collaboration
- Investment & Affordability: Bridging the €270 billion funding gap
We’ll bring together practitioners, policymakers, and urban innovators for a day of insights, debate, and shared experiences.
Program overview (Tentative)
| Moderated by Leen Verbeek (Council of Europe) | |
| 10:00 | Welcome & Kickoff – Hosted at Perspective.brussels |
| 11:00 | Guided Site Visit Tivoli GreenCity– See Brussels’ housing & urban planning in action! |
| 12:45 | Transfer to Huis van de Nederlandse Provincies (HNP) |
| 13:00 | Lunch & Networking – Meet fellow housing thinkers & doers |
| 13:45 | Panel 1: The European Housing Agenda – Talks with European Commission, METREX and UN-Habitat. |
| 14:45 | Coffee Break |
| 15:15 | Panel 2: Best Practices – Sustainable Spatial Planning – Talks with Team Vlaams Bouwmeester, LABO RUIMTE, SURE Network, ISOCARP, Perspective Brussels and Toekomstbestendig Bouwen |
| 16:15 | Panel 3: Best Practices – Design and Construction – Talks with BPD, KAW, Buurtboost, Superuse Studios and Ruimtelijke Kwaliteit. |
| Moderated by Paul Gerretsen (Deltametropolis Association) | |
| 17:15 | Closing Reflections – With remarks by Leen Verbeek (Council of Europe) |
| 17:30 | Closing Drinks – Wrap up with good conversations! |
WHO SHOULD JOIN?
This convening is open to all interested in shaping Europe’s housing future! No participation fee—just bring your curiosity and expertise. Participants cover their own travel and accommodation.
WHY BRUSSELS?
Brussels is where housing policy meets practice. With the European Affordable Housing Plan rolling out new initiatives, this is the perfect moment to discuss:
- How the EU is mobilizing funding
- What’s next for state-backed investments
- How cities can unlock sustainable and affordable housing solutions
Expect a dynamic mix of policy insights, real-world case studies, and discussions on the future of European housing.
A CONTINUING CONVERSATION
The Brussels Convening is the latest in a series of IFHP & VDM discussions:
- Berlin (Oct 2024) – Housing policy shifts in Berlin-Brandenburg
- Rotterdam (June 2024) – Urban resilience & housing transitions
- London (Oct 2023) – Launch of IFHP & VDM CoLab on urban challenges
Each convening builds on the last, bringing fresh perspectives and practical solutions. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the conversation!
