Report launch event highlights importance of investing in social infrastructure for economic growth and well-being
![](https://ec.europa.eu/newsroom/repository/picture/2018-5/news3_29405.jpg)
date: 01/02/2018
On 23 January, the report on “Boosting Investment in Social Infrastructure in Europe” was published and presented at a high-level event in the Charlemagne building in Brussels. Former Commission President Mr Romano Prodi gave a keynote speech, followed by Vice-President Jyrki Katainen, and almost 300 participants attended the event and contributed to a lively discussion. The report highlights that long-term, flexible and efficient investment in education, health and affordable housing is essential for the economic growth of the EU, the well-being of its people and a successful move towards upward convergence in the EU. The report addresses four specific questions: how is social infrastructure shaped in the EU today; what will social infrastructure look like 10 years from now; what are the EU's financial needs for social infrastructure in the future; and which financial instruments would be needed.