InvestEU supported market studies identify the social infrastructure investment priorities in Member States

The Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB), with support from the InvestEU Advisory Hub, has published detailed market studies on the social infrastructure investment needs in nine EU countries: Belgium, Estonia, Finland, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Spain. The studies, available on the CEB’s website, shed light on critical challenges in housing, alongside other social infrastructure sectors including health and education infrastructure, while identifying investment opportunities for improved citizen access to social infrastructure across the EU. This initiative aligns with the European Commission’s policy guidelines, which prioritise housing affordability and access to sustainable homes.

The CEB market study of Latvia serves as an example of some common challenges and trends observed in the social infrastructure sector across the EU. With average rental and housing prices steadily increasing over the last decade, the country faces an evident need of social housing. Over 7,000 citizens are on social housing waiting lists. Many homes require modernisation to meet current energy efficiency standards. Regional disparities in housing development further contribute to these challenges. While new housing construction is concentrated in the capital, there is a notable lack of such development in the regions.

By assessing the investment gaps and providing technical assistance in identifying potential sources for public and private investments, the studies, commissioned by the CEB and financed by the InvestEU Advisory Hub, support Member States in developing comprehensive, effective and long-term investment strategies for social infrastructure. Additional market studies are currently being conducted for the Netherlands, Ireland, and Germany, with plans to extend this research to other EU countries in the future.

About the Council of Europe Development Bank (CEB): The CEB is a multilateral development bank, whose unique mission is to promote social cohesion in its 43 member states across Europe. The CEB finances investment in social sectors, including education, health and affordable housing, with a focus on the needs of vulnerable people. Borrowers include governments, local and regional authorities, public and private banks, non-profit organisations and others. As a multilateral bank with an excellent credit rating, the CEB funds itself on the international capital markets. It approves projects according to strict social, environmental and governance criteria, and provides technical assistance. In addition, the CEB receives funds from donors to complement its activities.

About the InvestEU Advisory Hub: The InvestEU Advisory Hub supports the identification, development, structuring and implementation of investment projects across the European Union and strengthens the capacity of project promoters and financial intermediaries to implement quality investments. It complements the InvestEU Fund and is part of the InvestEU programme supporting and leveraging long-term private and public investments in Europe’s economy and competitiveness.