Conference in Kyiv Advances Housing Reform and Support for War-Affected Population

23.02.2026

On February 23, the conference “Housing Stock Management and Protection of War-Affected Population: Challenges and Solutions within the Housing Policy Reform” took place in Kyiv. The event brought together Ukrainian policymakers, international partners, and housing experts to discuss draft legislation, systemic reforms in housing stock management, and concrete solutions for people affected by the war.

The conference was organised by the Ministry for Development of Communities and Territories of Ukraine in cooperation with the Verkhovna Rada Committee on the Organisation of State Power, Local Self-Government, Regional Development and Urban Planning, with the support of the Council of Europe Project “Facilitating Housing Solutions for the War-Affected People in Ukraine. Phase II,” implemented under the Council of Europe Action Plan for Ukraine “Resilience, Recovery and Reconstruction” 2023–2026.

The event was also part of the Ukrainian-Estonian development cooperation project “Together for Effective Apartment Building Management in Ukraine (TEAM 2025)”, implemented by the Estonian Union of Co-operative Housing Associations (EKYL) in partnership with the All-Ukrainian NGO Housing Ukraine, with the support of the Estonian Centre for International Development (ESTDEV).

Focus on Legal Reform and Systemic Change

At the heart of the discussions was the preparation of the draft law “On Housing Stock Management,” a key legislative initiative aimed at clarifying responsibilities, modernising apartment building governance, and strengthening the legal framework for housing management in Ukraine.

In her opening remarks, Deputy Minister Nataliia Kozlovska emphasised that effective apartment building management requires not only legal reform, but also a cultural shift toward responsibility among apartment owners. Clear instructions for managing residential buildings, stronger legal clarity in owner decision-making, and digital solutions to support building management are essential components of the reform.

Particular attention was given to:

  • The development of a modern apartment building management system

  • The creation of a comprehensive digital registry of buildings and managers

  • Clear legal definitions of co-owners’ responsibilities

  • Housing solutions for war-affected populations

  • Strengthening international cooperation to support reform

Estonian Experience: A Practical Model for Reform

For EKYL, the conference was especially meaningful. The organisation has been directly involved in preparing the draft law “On Housing Stock Management,” contributing practical expertise gained through Estonia’s own housing reform journey.

Opening the conference, EKYL Chairman of the Board Andres Jaadla noted that Ukraine has demonstrated serious commitment and professionalism in advancing this reform process. Having worked closely with Ukrainian partners, EKYL has witnessed the dedication behind the legislative effort.

Why does the Estonian model matter for Ukraine? Estonia faced similar challenges: mass privatisation, diffused responsibility, and the need to build a functional system for apartment building governance. Over time, Estonia developed a model where:

  • Every apartment building operates as a legal entity

  • Co-owners’ responsibility is clearly defined and unavoidable

  • Management is transparent and professional

  • Renovation is strategically planned and supported

These principles are now delivering tangible results in Estonia and are highly relevant for Ukraine’s current transformation.

Housing Reform as Part of Ukraine’s Recovery

The conference underscored that housing reform is not only about administration—it is a cornerstone of Ukraine’s resilience, recovery, and reconstruction. Effective housing stock management and clear governance structures are critical for protecting residents, supporting displaced and war-affected populations, and ensuring long-term sustainability of the housing sector.

Ukraine is moving toward systemic change in its housing policy. With strong political commitment and support from international partners, including Estonia, meaningful progress is underway.

EKYL is proud to contribute to this journey—sharing expertise, supporting legislative development, and working together toward effective, transparent, and responsible apartment building management in Ukraine.