Rebuilding a Home: Social Housing in Post-War Ukraine

Housing reform is becoming a cornerstone of Ukraine’s post-war recovery, requiring sustainable, inclusive, and long-term solutions to ensure access to safe and affordable homes.In this episode of EUEA Dialogues, podcast host Olena Rybak, Vice-Chair of the EUEA Board and Executive Director at iC consulenten Ukraine, speaks with Jan Ruuth, Senior Program Manager and Advisor at Sida, currently seconded to the Ukraine Service at the European Commission in Brussels. Drawing on his extensive experience in investments, municipal development, and international financial institutions, the discussion focuses on shaping Ukraine’s social housing policy — a long-neglected sector that has become critical to the country’s recovery.They discussed the following:social housing models that work in Europe and elements applicable to Ukraine;why public housing remains a core pillar of modern housing systems;the EIB pilot project in Ukrainian communities and its potential impact;key policy and institutional pitfalls Ukraine should avoid;balancing affordability, sustainability, and long-term efficiency in housing reform;legislative changes already underway and existing gaps;the foundations of a resilient and inclusive housing system.