National Promotional Banks Mobilize €50 Billion to Tackle Europe’s Housing Crisis
14 April 2025New Report Highlights Key Role of Promotional Banks in Financing Affordable and Sustainable Housing
[Brussels, April 14] – Europe’s National Promotional Banks and Institutions (NPBIs) mobilized €50 billion in support of over 380,000 homes across Europe in 2023, according to a joint report released by the European Association of Public Banks EAPB and the European Association of Long Term Investors ELTI.
The report highlights how these institutions bridge critical market gaps by financing affordable, sustainable, energy-efficient, and socially inclusive housing projects—areas where traditional markets fall short.
A Crisis Demanding Solutions
With housing affordability at a breaking point, NPBIs are stepping in to address:
- Ever increasing property prices are pushing homeownership out of reach for young families and workers.
- Europe’s aging population requires accessible housing and care facilities.
- Energy poverty is rising, as inefficient homes drain budgets and fuel emissions—requiring a "renovation wave."
Public Banks, Proven Impact
NPBIs combine public purpose with financial expertise, leveraging public funds to crowd in private capital. Their deep local knowledge, not-for-profit nature, and objective to pursue government policy enable tailored solutions, ranging from social housing to green retrofits.
The Road Ahead
With demand far outpacing resources, the EAPB urges greater collaboration between EU institutions, national governments, and private capital to scale affordable and sustainable housing solutions across the continent.
EAPB President’s Call to Action
EAPB President and CEO of NWB Bank, Ms. Lidwin Van Velden, emphasizes:
"We can make real progress in solving the housing crisis by working together at national and EU level and involving not only public but also private investments. Promotional banks have the tools, the networks, and the mandate to help ensure access to safe, affordable, sustainable homes across Europe. This report proves what’s possible when public finance leads the way."
Access the full report to explore how Europe’s promotional banks are building a more inclusive, sustainable future—one home at a time.
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