The Demographiaic policy and housing are central to Europeans survival.stated Social Cohesion and Family Minister Domna Michailidou during her address at the Council of Ministers of the European Union, which took place on Thursday, 19 June 2025, in Luxembourg.
In 2021, with the European Action Plan, we laid the foundations for addressing poverty and ensuring social cohesion. Our duty now is to proceed in a more targeted way, including the issues of the digital economy, the green transition, and gender equality, so that we meaningfully integrate the demographic challenge into our shared future," she underlined. As the minister stated, "ambition alone is not enough. We need to continuously shape policies that respond to people's real needs.”
He also highlighted the necessity of a more cohesive socially and sustanible future in the EU.during a critical juncture for Europe's future. She presented specific proposals for the new European Action Plan.
"We are calling for strong European action on affordable housing. The European Environmental Fund should provide more funds for the energy upgrade of homes, especially for low-income households," she said.
She also pointed out access to digital skills and infrastructure must be recognised as a fundamental social right, focusing on young people, for whom we will ensure income security and decent work."
On the sidelines of the Council, Michailidou met with French Commissioner for Equality Hadja Lahbib. They exchanged best practices aiming for joint strategies on socially and environmentally sustainable policies. They also discussed opportunities for broader and more effective cooperation.
She also had a meeting with Danish Minister Sophie Haestorp Andersen, who is set to assume the upcoming presidency of the EU Council. The two ministers analysed her priorities for the forthcoming period.
Finally, Michailidou met with the ministers representing Lithuania and Ireland. The three ministers discussed how demographic issues and housing policy would constitute the priorities of their joint presidency in the Council of Ministers in the coming years