Across Europe, affordable housing depends on more than construction alone. It requires long‑term finance, clear rules, access to land and careful urban planning.

In this episode of Invested by Europe, we speak with Grzegorz Gajda, Senior Urban Specialist at the European Investment Bank, about what makes affordable housing work in practice. Drawing on experience from across Europe and beyond, the conversation looks at how governments, cities, investors and institutions can work together to increase supply, keep housing affordable and build sustainable urban communities.

The episode explores how long‑term funding mechanisms, effective regulation, land recycling and mixed‑use development can help deliver housing that people can afford — and cities that function better for everyone.

🎧 Invested by Europe is the European Investment Bank’s video podcast, exploring how Europe invests in its future — from housing and energy to innovation, infrastructure and social cohesion.

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Explore how innovation in construction materials, digital tools and industrialised processes could transform how Europe builds—and who works in construction.

The conversation looks at why construction has changed so little for decades and how technologies such as digital twins, Building Information Modelling (BIM), robotics and artificial intelligence are reshaping design, production and collaboration. Industrialised, factory-based construction offers major gains in precision, cost control, waste reduction and worker safety. That will make construction attractive to young people and help solve the industry’s labour shortage.

The episode argues for a life-cycle approach to buildings, from design and construction to operation and end-of-life reuse of materials. By combining innovation with circular thinking, Europe can deliver buildings that are both affordable and sustainable.

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Social investment shapes everyday life in Europe — from education and healthcare to childcare and housing. In this episode of Invested by Europe, we explore why investing in social infrastructure is not just about social protection, but a key driver of inclusive economic growth.

The podcast looks at how social investment helps more people participate in the labour market, boosts productivity and supports ageing societies. We examine gaps in childcare provision, the housing affordability challenge and Europe’s growing skills shortages — and why addressing them could significantly strengthen Europe’s economy.

The episode also explores how innovation, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence, can help deliver social services more efficiently, even as fiscal pressures rise.

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