The Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) Committee on Human Settlements carried out this study on Lithuania's housing sector as part of its analysis of housing sector reform in countries with economies in transition. This report arose from two fact-finding missions by an international team of experts to Lithuania between 21-24 February, and 16-19 May 1999. The report's objective was to identify positive trends and problem areas, so as to be able to assess the implementation of national policies and strategies, and the social and economic consequences of housing reform for the Lithuanian people. The study concludes that the long term development of the Lithuanian housing sector will depend on the further restructuring of its legal, financial and institutional frameworks. Accelerating the restructuring of the housing sector along market principles is linked to the stabilisation of the economy. Growth and investment in housing can be maintained if the sector becomes sufficiently competitive and attractive.

This book presents an overview of private rented housing in selected new EU member states and other transition countries – a topic scarcely researched to date, as it is largely part of the informal economy, and consequently often invisible to official statistics. Part I presents the private rented sector in Western and Northern European countries, the history of private renting under socialism in Central and Eastern Europe, and thematic issues such as restitution and marginalized groups depending on privately rented housing. Part II provides a series of country case studies from the Central and East European region. Part III concludes with chapters on the possibility of utilizing the private rental sector in affordable housing provision through good practices in both old and new EU member states, and sets out to further the housing policy debate on European housing regimes. This unique edited collection will be of great value to scholars of and practitioners involved in housing policy and economics, urban development, international relations, politics, economics and sociology.

The Europa Directory of International Organizations 2021 serves as an unequalled one-volume guide to the contemporary international system. Within a clear, unique framework the recent activities of all major international organizations are described in detail. Given alongside extensive background information the reader is able to assess the role and evolving functions of these organizations in today's world. The contact details, key personnel and activities of more than 2,000 international and regional entities have again been thoroughly researched and updated for this 23rd edition. Highlights in this edition include: - a fully revised Who's Who section with biographical details of the key players in the international system. - the response of the international community to crises and conflicts throughout the world. - specially-commissioned introductory essays cover topics including global environmental governance, transboundary water management, and multilateral governance and global action on health.