More than twenty urban communities have already submitted applications to participate in the European Investment Bank (EIB) “Social Housing” project, which aims to create a social housing fund for 1,500 families of internally displaced persons (IDPs), including through new construction.
“At present, we are evaluating the cities that wish to participate in this project. By the end of 2025, 25 applications were submitted from cities of various sizes, ranging from small towns to regional centers,” said Natalia Kozlovska, Deputy Minister for Community and Territorial Development, in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine, reports Humanitarian Media Hub.
A key factor in selecting participants will be the local authorities’ understanding of European EIB rules and requirements, covering the entire process—from conducting tenders to allocating and managing housing. Preference will be given to cities that already have experience with such procedures.
Technical capacity is also assessed. Communities must have prepared land plots and access to engineering networks. The readiness of the city to host and integrate new residents is also considered. A sustainable financial model is crucial—the project must be economically viable, with social housing maintained through rental income and self-sufficiency.
Both small communities and regional centers are eligible to participate. At the end of last year, the European Commission confirmed funding for the project. The total financing amounts to EUR 400 million, with 50% provided as grants and 50% as loans. One key condition is that the loan is granted directly to local governments to establish the social housing fund.
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