This year’s Congress explored the evolving role of housing within the European Union, as it becomes an increasingly central focus under the new European Commission. With transformative policy shifts on the horizon, the Congress served as a timely platform to discuss sustainable housing solutions, regulatory challenges, and the future of property ownership in Europe.

The event opened with a warm reception by Daniel Sazonov, Mayor of Helsinki, and featured strong participation from institutional representatives, academics, housing experts and practitioners from across the continent. High-level speakers included the Finnish Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala, MEP Aura Salla, MEP Borja Giménez Larraz, and Stefan Moser from the European Commission.

A clear message emerged from the discussions: there is no one-size-fits-all model for housing. While European coordination is vital, housing remains a local matter, and the principle of subsidiarity must remain at the heart of any EU-level engagement.