Jordan and the European Union co-chaired the proceedings of the Union for the Mediterranean Working Group meeting on "Affordable and Sustainable Housing," held from the 15th to the 16th of this month in Barcelona.

Over two days, participants discussed several topics focusing on social housing programs, industrial construction - its role, implementation mechanisms, and its impact on housing costs, in addition to reviewing the experiences of different countries and evaluating housing policies in member states.

On its part, HUDC stated in a press release on Sunday that criteria were set to advance tangible policies and address challenges related to building renovation and producing affordable housing, such as rising construction material costs and a shortage of skilled labor.

The Director-General, Eng. Jomana Attyat, commended the distinguished partnership in this field and emphasized the importance of technical meetings aimed at exchanging expertise.

She highlighted the government's role in supporting housing, the significance of the Economic Modernization Vision, and key initiatives and priorities HUDC is working on to implement the vision, including conducting studies to establish low-cost housing units.

The meeting was attended by several countries, including Palestine, Lebanon, Egypt, Turkey, Italy, Montenegro, Hungary, Spain, and France.

On the sidelines of the meeting, a field visit was organized to observe Spain's experience in industrial and social housing and its role in addressing housing needs.