The European Parliament's Special Committee on the Housing Crisis (HOUS) held a public hearing on 29 June 2026, examining how national promotional banks (NPBs) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) can close the estimated €270 billion annual affordable-housing investment gap. Chair Irene Tinagli (S&D) framed the debate around financing instruments, barriers to reaching municipalities, and the planned pan-European investment platform, linking the discussion to ongoing MFF negotiations.
EIB's Elena Campelo Aubarell reported over €5 billion signed in 2025, targeting €6 billion in 2026 toward a one-million-homes goal. Rainer Lovato (Council of Europe Development Bank) stressed that grants covering 20–60% of costs are essential for the most vulnerable. Kosta Kastrinidis (Banque des Territoires) called for housing to be treated as strategic investment in the next MFF and competitiveness fund. Giorgio Pieralli (Cassa Depositi e Prestiti) outlined CDP's equity and funds-of-funds approach scaling from €1.5 to €5 billion. Harun Tankovic (HBOR) described Croatia's new affordable-housing revolving fund (€1.2–2 billion).
A key point of tension emerged when Oriol Vidal-Barraquer (Institut Català de Finances) raised concerns about ITRE draft amendments that would restrict the European Competitiveness Fund from financing housing unless national RRP resources are committed. This could limit the fund's ability to address housing needs, particularly in regions lacking RRP allocations.
Gabriele Bischoff (S&D) questioned how smaller municipalities and cooperatives can access financing; speakers noted channelling through NPBs works effectively. Gordan Bosanac (Greens/EFA) asked about safeguards against financialisation; EIB and CDP confirmed strict due diligence and long-term affordability covenants. Rudi Kennes (The Left) pressed on social inclusivity of the EIB's €1.7 billion Flanders loan; Campelo Aubarell replied €700 million is signed, supporting over 6,000 new homes and 10,000 renovations with energy performance below legal limits.
Alessandro Colloca (European Commission Housing Task Force) outlined the European affordable housing plan, noting €43 billion mobilised in the current MFF and an additional €3.3 billion from cohesion reprogramming, plus a digital map, joint working group, and national hubs. Tinagli concluded by linking the debate to MFF negotiations and reported on the committee's Dublin mission, highlighting structural pressures, record homelessness, and the defective-concrete crisis affecting over 2,000 Irish homes. The next meeting is scheduled for 13 July 2026.
Broad consensus emerged on partnership, blended finance, and housing as a strategic investment. However, the ITRE amendment threat underscores a cleavage between treating housing as a core competitiveness investment versus a social expenditure dependent on national co-financing. The outcome will affect municipalities, housing cooperatives, and vulnerable households seeking affordable homes, as well as NPBs and the EIB, which face potential restrictions on deploying EU funds for housing. The committee's work feeds directly into MFF negotiations, where housing advocates push for dedicated funding streams.