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Europe, Middle East and Africa

News from our region

London Opened the Door and the Conversation Followed

June 08, 2026

For two remarkable days, Covent Garden became a gathering place where reflection, conversation and connection unfolded through art, storytelling and shared experiences. On May 29–30, Habitat for Humanity’s global public art installation Let’s Open the Door arrived in London, transforming one of the city’s busiest public spaces into an immersive experience exploring what home means, why it matters and why everyone deserves one. As one of only two international cities selected to host the campaign outside the United States, London joined a global movement that has already inspired audiences in New York, Washington D.C., Orlando, Atlanta and Chicago. Through striking artistic doors, real homeowner stories and opportunities for public participation, the installation invited thousands of people to consider a simple but profound question: What does home mean to you?

New research: Financial Instruments for Renovation of Vacant Spaces in Europe

June 05, 2026

Across Europe, millions of buildings stand empty while people struggle to find affordable places to live. HFHI conducted this research to better understand which financial mechanisms and models are most effective in converting vacant spaces into affordable housing. Looking across different European cities, the study examines how tools like loans, grants, revolving funds, and blended finance actually perform in practice - and why some approaches succeed while others fall short.

Roma Housing: Who Will Take Responsibility?

May 13, 2026

As housing finally rises on the EU’s political agenda, one question remains largely unanswered: where do Europe’s most marginalised communities – especially Roma – fit into the European affordable housing agenda?For decades, housing sat at the margins of EU policy, constrained by Treaty limits and fragmented national competences. That era is ending. Today, housing affordability, availability, and adequacy are discussed at the highest political levels, with new initiatives, task forces, and funding debates underway. This is a welcome shift, but it also creates a responsibility: when the EU sets the direction, it must ensure no one is left behind. At present, Roma housing risks being exactly that: left behind.

Media Contacts

Habitat for Humanity has extensive knowledge of the housing and shelter sector throughout Europe, Middle East and Africa.

For comments and interviews on today’s housing news, we can connect you with spokespeople across the region.

Please contact:

Europe and the Middle east
Katarzyna Jasik-Caínzos
Communications Director, Europe and the Middle East
Phone: +32 478 88 79 08
Email: [email protected]
Africa
Caroline Nyamamu
Communications Director, Africa
Phone: +254 759 067 659
Email: [email protected]

Habitat can also offer detailed information, case studies, and housing research as well as hi-resolution photos to cover regional housing issues or specific problems in a country.

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