The initiative of BUILD EUROPE in support of affordable housing has received strong backing from European institutions. EC presented the European strategy for affordable and sustainable housing, and the appointment of Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, responsible for Energy and Housing, further underlines the political importance of this agenda. How do you assess the adopted strategy, and to what extent do you believe it reflects the proposals put forward by BUILD EUROPE?

I think we are witnessing an important political shift. For the first time, housing is clearly recognised as a European challenge linked to supply, investment, and construction capacity, not just a social issue. I believe that, with Build Europe and the work of our members, we were succesful in changing the narrative, and many of the items we saw in the European Affordable Housing plan are close to what Build Europe has been advocating for years.

However, what matters now is delivery. A strategy only works if it translates into faster permits, more viable projects, and real access to finance for those who actually build homes. In the coming months, it will be crucial for us to keep working with the European Commission for the development of pragmatic solutions that can help developers and homebuilders to deliver more homes.

Mr. Lazzari, how do you view the future European plan for affordable housing, and what expectations does the construction sector have regarding its scope and practical implementation across EU member states?

The plan can be a game-changer if it stays practical. The construction sector expects tools, not slogans. So, we need simpler rules, predictable timelines, and financing instruments that work in our economy. And one thing is essential: Europe must not lose sight of new construction. Renovation is important, but we can’t renovate our way out of a housing shortage.

What do you see as the main structural challenges currently facing the European housing and construction sectors, particularly in relation to housing supply and affordability?

The core problem is supply not keeping up with demand. I work with most EU countries, and the issues seem to be the same everywhere: land is scarce and expensive, permits take too long, rules keep piling up, and financing has become much harder. All of this makes housing slower and more expensive to deliver, and that’s what ultimately hurts affordability across the EU.

Housing policy remains largely a national competence - how can European-level initiatives and industry organizations such as BUILD EUROPE effectively support and complement national housing strategies?

The EU can shape the framework conditions. It can push Member States to cut red tape, speed up permits, release land, and use investment tools better.

Build Europe’s role is to inform the work of the EU institutions and ensure that the voice of national associations of developers and constructors is heard in Brussels. We also showcase at EU level what works on the ground, what blocks projects, and what actually increases housing supply. Finally, we provide our members with best practices they can use at national level to advocate with their governments and persuade them to follow paths that have already proven successful in other countries.

Regulatory complexity and lengthy permitting procedures are often cited as major obstacles, what concrete steps should be taken to streamline processes while maintaining quality, safety and sustainability standards?

First, we need clear timelines. Developers need to know whether a project will take one year or five. Uncertainty is the worst condition to work under.

Second, we need fewer duplications between authorities and more legal certainty. Faster does not mean lower quality, it means clearer rules and decisions taken on time.

Labour shortages continue to affect the construction sector across Europe - what long-term solutions are needed to attract, train and retain a skilled workforce?

There’s no single fix. Certainly, we need better vocational training, faster upskilling for new construction methods, and easier recognition of skills across borders. We also need to make the sector more attractive to young people. This is a conversation we must have with all our members, as we can gather best practices from both EU and non-EU countries.

Can innovation, digitalisation and industrialised construction methods contribute to delivering affordable housing more efficiently and at scale?

Digital tools can reduce delays and uncertainty, and industrialised construction can improve speed and productivity. However, these solutions only deliver results if the regulatory and financial environment is stable. Innovation cannot compensate for poor rules or endless permitting procedures. Moreover, innovation is costly, and we must consider the significant upfront investment required from developers and constructors when adopting new technologies—especially in times of crisis. For this reason, the EU and national governments need to understand that innovation must be supported in one way or another. And it is no silver bullet for the affordable housing crisis.

Sustainability and climate objectives are increasingly shaping housing policy - how can the construction sector balance environmental requirements with affordability and social needs?

All the European housing sector supports climate objectives, but we have to be honest: every new requirement has a cost. If we don’t manage that carefully, we risk making housing greener but unaffordable for most of our citizens. The right approach is incentives, realistic standards, and financing that recognises long-term value. And the EU must avoid “one-size-fits-all” obligations.

What role should public-private partnerships and cooperation with financial institutions play in mobilising investment for affordable and sustainable housing projects?

They can play a key role. Public money should be used to unlock private investment, not replace it. If partnerships are well designed, with clear goals, fair risk sharing, and focus on delivery, then they can help close the viability gap and accelerate construction at scale.

Looking ahead to the coming years, what are the key priorities for BUILD EUROPE to ensure that European housing policies translate into tangible results for citizens and the construction industry alike?

Our priority is to make sure European housing policy produces real homes. That means pushing for faster permits, better access to finance, and a level playing field for all developers who deliver affordable and social housing. We will also push back against misleading political narratives that ignore the supply side and claim that affordability can be addressed without building more homes, or, worse, without listening to the private sector. Developers and homebuilders are the ones who actually deliver housing, know the housing needs and requirements of citizens and families today, and they are therefore best placed to know what can work and what will not.

How would you assess the overall state of the construction industry in Europe in terms of capacity, investment climate and ability to respond to growing housing needs?

The capacity is there, but confidence is fragile. Many projects are on hold because of uncertainty, costs, and financing condition. We need to reverse course and restart building enough homes as soon as possible. This is our challenge for 2026.

Looking back at 2025, what do you consider BUILD EUROPE’s most important achievements during the year, and what are the organisation’s main objectives and priorities for 2026?

In 2025, we helped shift the debate toward the real causes of the housing crisis. In 2026, our focus is very clear: influence implementation, not just strategy. Make sure policies work on the ground, engage strongly with EU institutions, and keep housing at the top of the political agenda. Because this is about people’s lives and Europe’s future, not just buildings.