As 2025 comes to a close, we checked in with Alessandro Cesale, Eurhonet’s Director General, to reflect on the network’s key achievements and to look ahead to priorities for 2026.

What were Eurhonet’s biggest achievements this year?

“One of our most significant achievements was the launch of our new Human Resources Topic Group. While we had organised several HR-related workshops in the past—particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on staff support, remote work, and employee well-being—this was the first year we decided to structure our collaboration with HR colleagues in a dedicated and ongoing Topic Group.

At the kick-off meeting in May, participants identified several priority areas to explore. These ranged from transition needs -such as change management, re-skilling, life-long learning, and internal career paths-, to well-being and work–life balance -including hybrid work, mental health, and conflict resolution-. Members also emphasised the importance of leadership and recognition, highlighting bi-directional communication, trust, engagement, self-leadership, and diversity and inclusion as essential elements for strong, future-proof organisations.

Another major highlight was the strategic exercise carried out during our Leadership Summit in June, which gave us valuable clarity on Eurhonet’s future direction. With input from CEOs and Board members, we first mapped the current priorities and challenges facing our members. We then broadened the perspective through a visioning exercise looking ten years ahead, before returning to concrete ideas for future Eurhonet activities.

The results of this workshop—combined with the priorities gathered from all Topic Groups through their Leaders—will directly feed into the development of our future work plan..”

(The full workshop report, “Sector’s Needs and Concerns – How to Future-Proof Our Organisations?”, is available in the Members Only Zone on our website.)

What were the main organisational changes?

“One key change was certainly the arrival of Irene, our new Communications and Outreach Coordinator, who stepped in covering for Rose’s maternity leave.  Irene got up to speed very quickly, and her day-to-day work plays a crucial role in strengthening our network and maintaining a vibrant, well-connected community.

Another highlight this year was the change in presidency, marked by the appointment of our new President, Antonio Parolini at Bari’s General Assembly. With Marco Corradi taking on the role of President of Housing Europe, we believe this transition will further strengthen the strategic cooperation between our two networks.”

What moments stand out for you the most?

“I am very pleased with the high level of engagement in our Topic Group meetings, which this year gathered an average of 15–20 participants per session. Sharing good practices and strengthening Eurhonet as a cohesive community are central objectives for us, and this level of participation is a strong indicator of the progress we have made over recent years.

I would also like to highlight our participation at the International Social Housing Festival in Dublin. Together with EFL and Fondazione Housing Sociale, we hosted a session titled “Human Stories, Shared Futures: Co-Production and Storytelling in Social Housing,” where we explored the role and impact of storytelling within the public and social housing sector.

Another standout moment was our recent General Assembly, kindly hosted by our Italian member ARCA Puglia Centrale, and the impressive number of best practices submitted by members in preparation for the meeting. This year’s General Assembly focused on innovative services to tenants, and the contributions we received clearly demonstrated the efforts of our members in serving their communities as well as their commitment to our network.

Although we had time to present only four best practices, covering different countries and thematic areas, during the General Assembly itself, the 50+ projects compiled in the publication will serve as a valuable resource. These examples will help inspire future Topic Group discussions and provide a catalogue of projects for study visits and exchange programmes.”

Left: Ageing Topic Group meeting in Munich – November 2025. Right: International Social Housing Festival in Dublin – June 2025

How is the planning going for 2026?

“In response to the need identified during our Leadership Summit for a dedicated space to exchange on finance-related issues in the housing sector, we are currently working to launch a new Financing Topic Group.
With rising construction costs, evolving EU financial regulations, stricter state-aid frameworks, and increasing pressure to secure long-term, sustainable funding for renovation, new-build projects, and energy-transition measures, members are facing complex challenges. Creating a forum to share expertise across countries could greatly support strategic decision-making and innovation in our companies.

Early next year, Eurhonet will also begin work on the EU-funded IN-HABIT project, in partnership with our members DELPHIS and ACER Reggio Emilia.
Coordinated by the European Association of Service Providers for Persons with Disabilities (EASPD), the project aims to advance inclusive housing by developing training modules for public and social housing staff on improving communication with people with physical and mental disabilities.

Eurhonet’s contribution will focus on collecting best practices and leading communication and dissemination efforts. We are confident that the project will generate valuable insights and learning opportunities for our network, particularly for our Ageing and Social Integration Topic Groups.

Alongside these two major new initiatives, our Topic Group Leaders are currently finalising their calendar activities and corresponding work programmes. As announced at the General Assembly in Bari, we have already confirmed the dates and venues for our main events in 2026: the Leadership Summit will take place on 10–11 June in Varberg, Sweden, and the General Assembly will be held on 21–22 October in Bilbao, Spain….we are well on track for a well-structured and smoothly planned year ahead.”

Left: Social Integration Topic Group meeting in Arezzo – October 2025. Right: Talent Academy in Brescia – June 2025.

What are you most looking forward to in 2026?

“The answer is quite simple…celebrating Eurhonet’s 20th anniversary!

As we work on a special publication to mark two decades of collaboration, it has been both fascinating and rewarding to look back on our archives. It is remarkable to see how the original group of companies that founded Eurhonet in 2006 has evolved… not only in numbers, but also in the range of Topic Groups, programmes and exchange opportunities we now offer to our members.

What I am especially delighted about is that our General Assembly, where we will celebrate this milestone and present the anniversary publication, will take place in Bilbao. As we know, two housing companies from Spain only joined Eurhonet this year, and hosting our anniversary in a newly represented country is a meaningful way to highlight how the network has grown and continues to broaden its reach.”

How can members contribute to making 2026 another successful year for Eurhonet?

“Eurhonet continues to thrive thanks to the commitment and involvement of its members. Your contributions, insights, and readiness to exchange experiences are the driving force behind the strength and value of our network.

As we look ahead to 2026, we invite all members to remain actively engaged: attending meetings, participating in our initiatives, and sharing your priorities and expectations. Staying up-to-date through our website, newsletter and LinkedIn page and regular contact with your Coordinator to make the most of the opportunities Eurhonet offers.

We believe – especially with the launch of our HR Topic Group this year, and the Finance Group scheduled to begin in 2026 – that there is something for everyone at Eurhonet, regardless of your role, department, or the stage in your career.

Every staff member has something to gain from our activities, and every contribution helps make our network stronger. Together, we can continue to grow and achieve even more!

To conclude, I would like to thank all our Topic Group Leaders and the coordinators of our training programmes for their continued dedication, as well as the members of our Council of Administration and Management Teams for their guidance and support throughout the year.

A special thank-you goes to Marco Corradi for his leadership during this intense year, and to our new President, Antonio Parolini, for taking on the role…2026 looks promising!”