EU ministers for housing meet in Cyprus: Finland stresses national competence in housing policy

EU ministers responsible for housing convene at an informal meeting in Cyprus on 11–12 May 2026. State Secretary Mika Nykänen represents Finland at the meeting.

The discussions at the meeting focus on affordable, sustainable and social housing and ways to address the administrative and regulatory barriers that delay housing development and renovation. The topics also include the investment gap in the housing sector and the use of EU financial instruments. The purpose of the meeting is to increase cooperation between the Member States and seek shared solutions to improve the affordability and sustainability of housing and access to it.

Finland considers the discussion at the EU level as positive – it is very important to exchange views and good practices. However, housing policy falls within the national competence of the Member States. Housing conditions and housing markets vary a great deal in different Member States, which is why the solutions to the challenges involved should be based on the national circumstances.

State Secretary Mika Nykänen points out that housing policy should be clearly seen as a national issue. Finland will also raise the question concerning the interpretations of debt related to the excessive deficit procedure EDP and the need to reassess the current interpretation. 

The informal meeting is part of the broader discussion on housing that is taking place in the EU. The purpose of the meeting is to exchange views among the Member Sates, while no decisions will be made

Read more about the meeting

Informal EU ministerial meeting for housing at Cyprus Presidency website