Tackling Europe’s housing crisis with PVC windows - EPPA meets EU officials

The EPPA Delegation highlighted the unique role PVC windows can play in alleviating Europe’s housing crisis, and shared the association’s policy recommendations, outlining the contours of a more conducive regulatory environment. 

The EPPA Delegation, led by President Christian Fischer, Schüco, consisting of Carsten Heuer (Rehau), Patrick Seitz (aluplast), Joachim Oberrauch (Finstral), and Andreas Hartleif (VEKA), and accompanied by Managing Director Elena Vyboldina, opened the discussion mentioning the European housing crisis. 

“Soaring costs for private and professional investors, low availability of residential buildings and significant energy waste due to out of date windows characterize this crisis, and now is the time to act and deliver an Affordable Housing Plan that works for the people and for the industry of PVC window profiles", opened the discussion Carsten Heuer (Rehau). 

“Our industry is deeply anchored in Europe, with supply chains that are local, reliable and resilient. The added value directly benefits the end-consumer” stated Joachim Oberrauch (Finstral). 

The EU officials confirmed that financing is a cornerstone of addressing housing affordability, pointing out to the upcoming revision of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive which will address split incentives, as well as the mid-term review of cohesion policy that could double the share of the cohesion funds allocated to housing.

“Our industry calls for more streamlined processes to accelerate window replacements.  This directly benefits EU citizens, reducing household costs without compromising historical building requirements” said Patrick Seitz (aluplast). 

“We should continue the constructive dialogue through public consultations and technical exchanges. Furthermore, EPPA members would be glad to host EC officials at manufacturing and recycling facilities, granting them the possibility to see closed-loop recycling in practice”, offered Andreas Hartleif (VEKA). 

EPPA reaffirmed its readiness to partner with the European Commission, Member States, and financial institutions to deliver affordable, energy-efficient, and recyclable PVC window solutions. “By combining EU investment with proven technologies, Europe can make the Affordable Housing Plan a success for citizens and the environment alike” concluded EPPA President Christian Fischer. 

The meeting concluded on a constructive and forward-looking note, establishing a solid foundation for continued cooperation. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing concrete next steps that will make housing in Europe more affordable, energy-efficient, and sustainable over long term.

For more information, please visit EPPA’s official website: www.eppaprofiles.eu