The European Partnership for Affordable Housing Initiative (SHAPE II) – led by Housing Europe together with EBC, ECTP, Energy Cities, GNE Finance and SINTEF – has opened its third call for applications to become a lighthouse district for sustainable and affordable housing. The call targets professionals involved in construction and renovation projects for social and affordable housing, offering support to develop more integrated approaches and address recurring challenges in this segment. Since December 2024, the programme has already selected 20 lighthouse district projects across Europe.

Selected participants follow a learning programme that combines customised support, expert guidance and multiple learning formats, including peer-to-peer mentoring, study visits, workshops, online classes on financial strategies and pitching sessions. The call also offers the opportunity to attend the Affordable Housing Initiative Days in Guimarães (28–30 April 2026). Applications are subject to a jury-led selection process, and an online information session on 16 December 2025 provided further details on the training structure, assessment and mentoring framework.