EU leaders commit to ambitious housing plan – European summit on the issue in 2026

The article is published by Eunews, with Emanuele Bonini as the author. It discusses a significant political development within the European Union (EU) regarding housing policy. The piece highlights the commitment of EU leaders to formulate an ambitious housing plan aimed at addressing the growing housing crisis faced by families and young people across Europe.

During a recent European Council summit in Brussels, Heads of State and Government made a historic commitment to housing policies. This marks the first time that such a political commitment has been documented in the conclusions of a summit, tasking the EU Commission with the development of a targeted strategy. Although the nature of this commitment is somewhat vague, the overarching goal is to achieve “affordable housing.” This flexible approach allows for various interpretations, as housing policy remains primarily a national responsibility.

The commitment includes a mandate for the EU Commission to provide technical, legal, and financial support to national and local governments. While the details of the strategy are yet to be clarified, there are some initial guidelines proposed. These include references to a “simplification agenda” that could facilitate fast-track procedures for construction projects and potentially relax state aid regulations. The idea of utilizing the European Investment Bank (EIB) for financing housing measures was also a key topic, with discussions emphasizing the need for resources to support these initiatives.

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU executive, emphasized the necessity of strong coordination among member states. She announced plans for the first European summit on housing policy to take place in 2026, which will aim to further solidify collaborative efforts in this area. The political agreement from the 27 member states leaves room for the EU Commission to propose various alternatives or enhancements to the housing plan.

Antonio Costa, President of the European Council, expressed satisfaction with the summit's outcome, highlighting the critical need to focus on the everyday concerns of European citizens regarding housing accessibility and costs. He noted that these issues are among the most urgent for millions of Europeans, reinforcing the EU institutions’ commitment to tackling the ongoing housing crisis.

The Party of European Socialists (PES) welcomed the commitments made during the summit, asserting that Europe’s credibility depends on actionable measures. PES President Stefan Lofven highlighted the importance of addressing poor housing conditions, rising rents, and the shortage of affordable homes. The commitment to affordable housing has gained momentum, with the PES advocating for ongoing attention to this pressing issue.

In summary, the EU leaders' commitment to an ambitious housing plan signifies a critical step toward addressing the housing crisis in Europe. With a focus on affordable housing and support for national efforts, the upcoming summit in 2026 will be pivotal in shaping the future of housing policy across the continent.