Housing and Food: Communities and local-governments driving fair sustainability transitions

European policy dialogue series | November 6th, 2025, EESC Brussels & Livestream

Europe’s long-term wellbeing depends on fair and locally-driven sustainability transitions. Housing and food, our most basic human needs and the two largest household expenses, are powerful entry points for change. Yet, solutions to Europe’s housing and food challenges need to go beyond affordability to ensure sustainability and fairness amid mounting climate and geopolitical pressures. 

This policy dialogue series will spotlight action by European civil society and local governments, and advocate to center them in the EU’s Affordable Housing Plan, the implementation of the Vision of Agriculture and Food and other related strategies and post-2027 EU budget planning.

Morning session l Housing | Organised by ICLEI Europe 

9.00 am – 13.00 pm

Featuring thought-provoking and practical discussions between civil society, local governments and European institutions over sustainable, decent and affordable good housing practices in light of the EU Affordable Housing Plan. 

Afternoon session l Food | Organised by ECOLISE 

14.00 – 17.30 pm

Food systems are a major contributor to the ecological crisis, responsible for around one-third of global greenhouse gas emissions due to industrial agriculture, deforestation, and food waste. Yet, food systems can also be part of the solution: local, sustainable practices have the potential to reduce emissions, restore ecosystems, and align with the goals of the European Green Deal. Community-led initiatives (CLIs) across Europe are already implementing such practices, building democratic, regenerative food systems that prioritise biodiversity, climate resilience, local empowerment, and fair access to food. 

To fully unlock their potential, CLIs need formal recognition, resources, and a voice in EU food policy. Building on a year-long participatory policy positioning process led by ECOLISE and supported by ECOLISE members and partners, this session will present a set of policy recommendations for EU-level food system transformation. It will offer practical and strategic insights from place-based initiatives that are bridging food, climate, biodiversity, and social justice goals. Rooted in real experiences and territorial diversity, the session aims to inform EU food and agriculture policy, including the CAP, Farm to Fork Strategy, and broader Green Deal implementation, calling to centre communities and local public actors in EU food policymaking as co-creators of Europe’s food future.

For more information contact Katerina Boucoyannis, policy officer at katerina.boucoyannis@ecolise.eu.