“Europe Today – Challenges and Opportunities: Housing in Europe. Let’s Talk About Homes”

Europe Day in Rakvere will bring together citizens and decision‑makers to reflect on Europe’s values at a time of changing global dynamics and rising challenges. 

This event invites Rakvere politicians, Estonian Members of the European Parliament, local organisations, civil society representatives and residents to join in marking a day that is far more than a symbolic date on the calendar. This year’s discussion centers on housing - one of the most urgent concerns across Europe and a topic that affects every individual and family. 

The European Union is our shared home, and talking about the future of Europe also means talking about the future of our homes. With the launch of the first European Affordable Housing Plan in December 2025, the European Commission has taken an important step towards addressing the growing need for affordable, sustainable and high‑quality housing. In the past decade, house prices have risen by more than 60% on average and rents by more than 20%, leaving millions of Europeans struggling to find suitable accommodation. This crisis is not only social; it deeply affects labour mobility, access to education, family formation, and the competitiveness of the entire EU economy. By bringing this European conversation to Rakvere, the event offers a platform for meaningful exchange between local actors and European representatives. 

It invites participants to reflect on how EU‑level initiatives can support local solutions, how communities can contribute to shaping housing policy, and how Europe’s future can be strengthened through open, honest dialogue that begins at home. 

11:30 - 11:50 - Registration and gathering, welcome coffee 

11:50 - 12:00 - Welcome words by Mr. Mihkel Juhkami (EE/EPP), Chairman of Rakvere City Council, Member of the Committee of the Regions 

12:00 - 12:30 - “Housing in Europe. Let's talk about homes"” by Mr. Andres Jaadla (EE/Renew), Member of Rakvere City Council, Rapporteur of the European Committee of the Regions 

12:30 - 12:50 - Activities of the European Parliament's Special Committee on the EU Housing Crisis (HOUS) by Ms. Jana Toom, Member of the European Parliament and member of the Parliament's HOUS Special Committee 

12:50 - 13:10 – Activities by the European Commission for developing an affordable housing plan and investments by Ms. Ave Schank-Lukas, Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Estonia, Acting Head of Representation, Economic Advisor 

12:10 – 13:10 – Panel ´discussion: Day of Europe : Let's talk about homes. Participants: Committee of the Regions members, members of the European Network of Local Councillors, Young elected politicians, stakeholders. 

13.10 – 13. 30 Coffee break 

13.30 – 14.30 Concert “Celebrating Day of Europe: Singing from Homes.“ Rakvere musicians and Rakvere ensembles, local cultural collectives