Minister Ivan Ivanov: The right to affordable housing is not only a common goal for a sustainable future, but also a fundamental human right

The Regional Minister participated in a ministerial meeting on housing affordability in the framework of the 86th session of the Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Governance of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe

"The housing crisis is deepening, leaving millions of people across Europe and beyond without adequate shelter. Homelessness is on the rise, while many households face disproportionate housing, energy and maintenance costs. This is not only a social challenge, but also a test of our ability to deliver on the UN 2030 Agenda. The right to affordable housing is not only a common goal for a sustainable future, but also a fundamental human right." This was stated by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Ivan Ivanov at the ministerial meeting on housing affordability and sustainability within the 86th session of the Committee on Urban Development, Housing and Governance of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). The theme of the forum is housing affordability and sustainability. It was also attended by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works Dora Yankova, as well as representatives of over 200 countries.

Minister Ivanov pointed out the challenges facing our country, such as the ageing housing stock with a large number of buildings in poor condition and many unoccupied housing, especially in the capital, and insufficient social housing. Imbalances in the housing market in Bulgaria are deepening due to income dynamics and rising housing costs, he stressed.

Ivanov informed about the measures taken by the MRDPW for the renovation of the buildings. He stressed that the Bulgarian government is investing through the Recovery and Resilience Facility and EU funds in renovation programmes that target at least 30% primary energy savings per building. These efforts reduce household costs and extend the lifespan of buildings. Between 2015 and 2024, the National Energy Efficiency Programme in Bulgaria improved over 2000 multi-family residential buildings and thereby reduced citizens’ energy bills and, on this basis, provided funds from the national budget to continue renovation until 2029.

In front of the more than 200 participants in the meeting, the Minister pointed out that work is underway on the adoption of a National Housing Strategy with a 2050 horizon, which aims to find adequate long-term solutions to the existing problems in the housing sector. It will align long-term investments with the objectives of accessibility, sustainability and inclusion. This strategy will support and promote measures to attract both public and private investment. This will take steps towards the implementation of the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, in particular Goal 11 ‘Sustainable cities and communities’.

In conclusion, Minister Ivanov emphasized the need for housing policy to anticipate demographic changes, such as migration, population ageing and changing community needs, while also ensuring climate adaptation in shaping the future of our cities and societies for building sustainable communities and the right to housing.

Ministers' commitments on housing affordability and sustainability are foreseen to be adopted in the margins of the meeting. They provide a roadmap for an inclusive, data-driven and sustainable housing reform that balances social justice, economic efficiency and climate resilience. They are based on the UN Geneva Charter on Sustainable Housing, the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the New Urban Agenda.