Housing and Food: Communities and local-governments driving fair sustainability transitions

Europe’s long-term wellbeing depends on fair and locally-driven sustainability transitions. Housing and food, our most basic human needs and the two largest household expenses, are powerful entry points for change. Yet, solutions to Europe's housing and food challenges need to go beyond affordability to ensure sustainability and fairness amid mounting climate and geopolitical pressures.

This policy dialogue series will spotlight action by European civil society and local governments, and advocate to center them in the EU’s Affordable Housing Plan, Agriculture and Food policy, other related strategies and post-2027 EU budget planning.

This event series features two stand-alone yet integrated sessions over one day hosted at the European Economic and Social Committee, Brussels and livestreamed. Attendance is open for one or both sessions.

European local governments, civil society organisations, EU institutions and individuals with an interest in housing and/or food systems, or broader fair sustainability transitions across urban and rural areas are welcome.

Draft event agenda

• 9:00 - Coffee and registration at the EESC
• 9:30 - Joint introduction
• 10:00 - Housing session (run by ICLEI Europe)
• 13:00 - Catered lunch
• 14:00 - Food session (run by ECOLISE)
• 16:00 - Joint wrap-up

Morning session l Housing | Organised by ICLEI Europe

Featuring thought-provoking and practical discussions between civil society, local governments and European institutions over sustainable, decent and affordable good housing practices in light of the EU Affordable Housing Plan.

Afternoon session l Food | Organised by ECOLISE

Featuring ECOLISE's food systems position paper, and key outcomes from a participatory policy process, this session brings together EU policymakers and grassroots innovation to advance fair and sustainable food systems.

Note: Agenda and speaker lineup is under development over the summer. Once available, a detailed programme will be shared with registered participants. 

Contact: sophia.silverton@iclei.org 

Event website