The former leader of the Green Party will head a group of experts that will provide independent advice on housing policy, The Journal reports.
Former Green Party leader Eamon Ryan has been appointed chair of the EU’s advisory council on housing.
The so-called “housing czar” of the EU will head a group of experts tasked with providing independent advice on housing policy. Europe is seeking to reduce the cost of building, buying and renting homes in EU member states by relaxing public spending rules and exploring ways for member states to co-operate.
More than 200 people applied for the position on the council, which usually provides compensation for travel and other expenses, as well as reimbursement of expenses. The group consists of 15 people from various fields with experience in housing policy.
Ryan confirmed the news and spoke about his new position in a post on social media this morning.
Last week, media reported that the EU was considering restrictions on short-term rentals to free up housing for residents of large cities. Although the EU cannot set targets for housing construction, it can lower barriers to the market. This comes after he was appointed Ireland’s high representative in a coalition of governments and green NGOs under the UN Environment Programme.
The former minister for transport, climate, communications and the environment stepped down as party leader in June 2024 after more than 13 years in the role. He was one of three coalition leaders in the last government.
Ryan announced his resignation as leader, that he would not stand in the 2024 general election and was leaving politics. He was one of many senior politicians to do so in the last term. Former Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and former Deputy Prime Minister Simon Coveney also took up new positions after leaving government: the former became an advisor to PR firm Penta Group, and the latter became an advisor to EY Ireland.
