On 27 May 2026, a conference entitled “Social Housing Reform: Systemic Solutions, European Standards and Practices” was held in Kyiv.

Organised in hybrid format, the event brought together 550 participants, representatives of the government, Parliament, local authorities, international organisations, experts, and civil society. The focus of the conference was on building a social housing system in Ukraine that prioritises human rights, uses transparent rules, and aligns with European standards. Panel sessions served as a platform to examine critical issues for Ukraine’s social housing system in the light of European experience. Speakers from the Council of Europe, Ukrainian officials, and other international partners agreed that Ukraine needs a balanced social housing system, especially given the challenges caused by war and the needs of displaced people.

Discussions focused on the need to clarify the eligibility criteria for social housing, ensuring support effectively reaches the most vulnerable, and emphasized that social housing is fundamentally about dignity as well as security. Participants reviewed progress in clarifying the roles of territorial communities and local governments and highlighted that full implementation of national housing policy requires a dedicated social housing law and improved tools for local communities, alongside sustainable support from international partners.

Speakers addressed key challenges including affordability for low-income households, non-discriminatory allocation, quality and accessibility standards, and sustainable financing. Ukraine’s unique context of war and its impact on the internally displaced people, veterans, families with children, older people, people with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups was highlighted by various speakers. Representatives of international organisations, civil society, and territorial communities shared practical experiences, local challenges, and stressed the importance of better coordination for effective housing solutions. The main takeaway was that real progress in social housing requires a coordinated, thoughtful approach, not just a few quick fixes.

The Council of Europe is committed to continuing its support for Ukraine, helping the country develop housing solutions that meet European standards, protect human rights, and help communities recover from the devastating impact of war.

The video recording of the conference in Ukrainian is available at the following link: https://youtu.be/Hku1cmEp12o

The conference was organised by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine in cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada Committee on social policy and protection of veterans’ rights, with the support of the Council of Europe Project “Facilitating housing solutions for the war-affected people in Ukraine. Phase II”, implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023–2026.