As SEE countries move from post-conflict to transition status, they are undergoing fundamental structural changes of a political, social and economic nature.   The development of sustainable communities, strategic urban management and access to affordable housing play a key role in the broader socio-economic development context of South Eastern Europe. The post-conflict situation and the completely changed socio-economic environment necessitate new approaches in housing policy, housing finance, planning and urban management.

In line with the overall objectives of Working Table II to promote economic reconstruction, development and co-operation in South Eastern Europe, the Housing and Urban Management Initiative (HUMI) is promoting sustainable urban development including affordable urban housing.   It assists the countries in SEE to overcome obstacles in the area of urban development and housing policy. It encourages exchange of information on these policies and related matters throughout South-East Europe. More specifically, HUMI pro-actively facilitates regional stakeholder meetings (involving SEE Governments and practitioners, International Organisations, IFIs and relevant EU actors) to discuss matters of common concern and to compensate for the absence of formal Pan-European or regional fora.

HUMI’s work is guided by the “Vienna Declaration on Informal Settlements in SEE” of September 2004 where the Western Balkan countries committed themselves to undertake measures to address informal settlement issues and to initiate and implement reforms in the wider orbit of sustainable urban development and social housing. The Vienna Ministerial conference also agreed to develop a capacity strengthening instrument and a coherent programme proposal for the SEE region was recommended.

For further information,

please Contact:

Regional Cooperation Council