Nicosia: Minister of the Interior, Constantinos Ioannou, and Minister of Housing, Energy and Climate, Tourism and Youth of Belgium, Hans Bonte, held a meeting on Monday in Nicosia. They confirmed the excellent relations and close cooperation between Cyprus and Belgium on housing policy issues at the European level, focusing on the social dimension of housing and ensuring adequate and affordable housing for all.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the Belgian Minister is currently in Cyprus to attend the Informal Ministerial Meeting on Housing organized on Tuesday, as part of the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union.
A press release issued by the Ministry of the Interior stated that Ioannou highlighted the initiatives of the Cyprus EU Presidency to keep housing issues prominent on the European agenda. He outlined priorities such as increasing the supply of housing through construction and renovation, providing affordable housing for low and middle-income households, mobilizing investments, and exchanging experiences and qualitative data between member states.
The meeting emphasized the significance of implementing the European Plan for Affordable Housing. This plan can support national housing policies while respecting the principle of subsidiarity and the specificities of the member states.
Ioannou referred to Tuesday's Informal Ministerial Meeting on Housing, expressing that the goal of the Cyprus Presidency is to promote constructive dialogue and substantive policies for the benefit of European citizens.
Both Ministers exchanged views on the national priorities and challenges their countries face in the realm of affordable and social housing, highlighting the importance of continuing cooperation at the European level.