On Monday 17 March 2025, ACE President Ruth Schagemann and ACE Secretary General Ian Pritchard, Hon. FRIBA, Hon. MRIAI, met with Bendt Madsen, President of Housing Europe, and Sorcha Edwards, Secretary General of Housing Europe, to discuss a shared vision: how to achieve affordable and quality housing across Europe.

A Common Challenge, A Unified Approach

Despite cultural differences and diverse national approaches, the challenges facing the housing sector remain universal. The ongoing housing crisis calls for a fundamental shift in our approach—one that moves away from the short-term pursuit of economic gains and the relentless standardization that has led to declining quality and affordability.

Putting People and Nature at the Core

To address this crisis effectively, we must embrace policies that prioritize the common good and quality of life. Sustainable urban development must be designed with people and nature at its core, ensuring that housing solutions enhance social well-being, environmental resilience, and economic sustainability.

Strengthening Collaboration for Impact

Both ACE and Housing Europe recognize the need for stronger collaboration between architects, policymakers, housing providers, and urban planners. By working together, we can advocate for a supportive regulatory framework and financial tools that foster high-quality, sustainable housing solutions for all.

We look forward to continuing this crucial dialogue and taking concrete steps towards achieving a more equitable and sustainable housing future in Europe.

🔗 Read & Share the ACE Statement on “For Affordable and Quality Housing”: https://bit.ly/4kr5TUt

Read more about Housing Europe: Housing Europe, the European Federation of Public, Cooperative, and Social Housing, has been the voice of this sector since 1988. Representing 44 national and regional federations and 16 partner organisations across 31 countries, Housing Europe oversees around 25 million homes, accounting for approximately 11% of Europe’s housing stock. Through our network of over 43,000 local housing organisations, Housing Europe is the point of reference for stable housing models, innovation, research through our Observatoire, et events.