We are pleased to announce the next speaker, part of the morning program: Prof. Dr. Ir. Marja Elsinga!

Marja Elsinga is full professor of Housing Institutions & Governance at the Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment at Delft University of Technology. Her chair focuses on housing policy, affordability, and governance issues, both in the Netherlands and internationally.

In addition, Marja Elsinga serves as a supervisory board member at housing association Ymere and BNG Bank, and since 2025, she has been a member of the Housing Advisory Board, which advises the European Commission on the "European Affordable Housing Plan."

Marja Elsinga will explain the background, the context and the possible implications of this plan of the first euro commissioner for Energy and Housing.

Across the European Union, housing has become increasingly unaffordable. House prices and rents have risen much faster than household incomes, while investment in housing supply has declined. High construction costs, labor shortages, and excessive red tape have limited new housing, and a significant part of the existing housing stock remains underused. In response, the European Commission has presented the European Affordable Housing Plan, addressing housing not only as an economic challenge but as a source of security and belonging for Europeans.