Co-producing routes out of the housing emergency - A Manifesto for Just and Democratic

The resource titled "Co-producing routes out of the housing emergency - A Manifesto for Just and Democratic Housing in European Cities" is published by the Fairville Consortium, featuring insights from various grassroots housing activists, organizations, and academic researchers across Europe. This manifesto emerged from a pan-European discussion held in October 2025, focusing on the ongoing housing emergency in Europe, which is closely linked to the climate crisis.

The manifesto emphasizes that the housing emergency in Europe is not merely a supply issue but a systemic result of financialization processes that have turned homes into commodities. It highlights the need for strong public action and civil-society oversight to tackle the challenges of affordable housing. Member states must recognize housing as a fundamental human right, with legal obligations to provide affordable, dignified living conditions.

The document outlines several key demands for securing adequate and affordable housing. These include protecting existing affordable housing assets, expanding the stock of de-commodified housing options, prioritizing refurbishment over demolition, and establishing a right to maintenance for tenants. It calls for municipalities to be empowered to create fiscal and planning mechanisms to combat vacancy and land speculation.

Guaranteeing a meaningful right to remain for current inhabitants is crucial, as redevelopment often displaces established communities. The manifesto stresses the importance of safeguarding against forced evictions and controlling rents to prevent the growing inequality driven by under-regulated rental markets. It advocates for the recognition of diverse affordable housing solutions, including community-led initiatives and cooperatives.

The manifesto underscores the connection between housing and democratic participation. The erosion of social and affordable housing contributes to disenchantment with democratic governance. Adequate housing is presented as a key factor in addressing rising inequalities and restoring trust in public institutions. The document calls for clear criteria for affordability and a commitment to protecting diverse housing needs across communities.

The manifesto emphasizes the importance of co-production in housing policy. It advocates for meaningful participation from residents in decision-making processes related to their neighborhoods. This includes empowering tenants to advocate for their rights and ensuring transparency in housing-related decisions. The need for robust public consultation and representation in the development process is highlighted as essential.

Lastly, the manifesto presents housing justice as a critical aspect of climate action. It advocates for sustainable construction practices and prioritizes refurbishment over demolition to minimize environmental impact. The document calls for governments to adopt low-impact construction methods and to support community-led movements focused on environmental sustainability in housing. The Fairville project aims to address urban inequalities and enhance democracy through collaborative citizen initiatives in low-income neighborhoods. It is funded by the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation program, emphasizing the importance of participatory action-research in promoting sustainable and just housing solutions across Europe.