Experts from EU countries will discuss solutions to promote housing affordability and energy efficiency

For the second time, the Ministry of Economics, in collaboration with the European Economic and Social Committee's Transport, Energy, Infrastructure, and Information Society specialized section, is organizing a discussion aimed at drawing attention to housing accessibility, financing, innovation, and quality of life in homes. The forum "The Future of Smart, Energy-Efficient, and Affordable Housing" will take place on September 20th of this year in Jūrmala.

Edmunds Valantis, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, emphasizes: "Fifteen years ago, we began a targeted path toward improving energy efficiency in Latvian housing by offering the first support program for the renovation of multi-apartment buildings. Over this period, we have significantly expanded support options, covering both businesses and private homes, as well as state and municipal buildings in promoting energy efficiency, investing considerable funds in these activities. However, we still have a broad scope of work ahead to achieve overall energy savings and well-being goals. The availability of quality housing and the promotion of energy efficiency also largely depend on the involvement of businesses, including ensuring the quality and effective implementation of energy efficiency measures."

The forum will bring together high-level experts from EU countries, the European Commission, and Latvia to discuss issues related to housing accessibility, as well as the financing, innovation, and well-being aspects of sustainability and energy efficiency measures. The event will be opened by Zane Petre, Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, Edmunds Valantis, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economics, and Baiba Miltoviča, President of the Transport, Energy, Infrastructure, and Information Society section of the European Economic and Social Committee.

During the event, new collaboration partners will join the "Live Warmer" energy efficiency cooperation memorandum, signed in 2010, agreeing to cooperate on achieving sustainable development and energy efficiency goals in the energy, construction, and housing sectors, promoting the growth of Latvia's economy and the well-being of every resident.

"Housing affordability is an increasing challenge throughout the European Union. Therefore, we must act more actively to improve housing accessibility. Although several successful projects have been implemented with European Union funding, their number remains insufficient. The right to housing is one of the fundamental principles of European social rights, but more and more people are struggling to afford decent housing. We urgently need to find a new approach to address this growing social problem," stresses Baiba Miltoviča, President of the Transport, Energy, Infrastructure, and Information Society specialized section of the European Economic and Social Committee.

It is well known that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has identified housing policy as one of her top priorities, aligning with the priorities of the Latvian government - to promote access to housing that meets modern standards for its residents.

The ability to live in quality, energy-efficient housing at an affordable price is a fundamental need of the population. Moreover, housing provision significantly impacts the development of the national economy and the overall well-being of the country. It should be noted that the existing housing stock is rapidly aging, while new projects are insufficient - since regaining independence, only 4% of the total number of apartments in multi-apartment buildings have been built in Latvia. Private investment in multi-apartment building construction in Latvia is inadequate, further exacerbating challenges in the housing sector.

In response to this issue, the European Commission plans, for the first time in history, to appoint an EU Housing Commissioner, whose task will be to develop and implement a plan to increase public and private investment in housing construction and renovation.

The forum "The Future of Smart, Energy-Efficient, and Affordable Housing" will take place on September 20th of this year at the "Lielupe" hotel in Jūrmala. Representatives from local governments, state institutions, construction and energy sector companies, non-governmental organizations, scientific institutions, and energy efficiency project implementers are invited to participate in the event to collectively discuss current issues in promoting housing accessibility and energy efficiency. The agenda and registration form are available on the Ministry of Economics website. Due to safety requirements, registration for the event is mandatory.

Ministry of Economics

Public Relations Department

[email protected]

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