Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025

The "Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025" is a comprehensive report published by Eurocities, an influential network of major European cities dedicated to sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration to address urban challenges. This third edition is based on insights from nearly 100 mayors across 26 countries, capturing their perspectives on pressing urban issues, particularly focusing on sustainable housing.

The survey highlights a critical housing crisis across European cities, with over one in three mayors (39%) reporting that housing costs are unaffordable for their residents. Conversely, only 14% of cities indicated that housing remains affordable. The findings underscore the urgent need for intervention, as rising rents and housing prices threaten social stability and push residents further from urban centers.

Mayors identified several key factors contributing to the housing crisis, with demand exceeding supply being the most prominent issue, cited by 76% of respondents. Other significant drivers include rising construction costs (71%), limited land availability (60%), and speculative investment (29%). These challenges are compounded by the impact of short-term rentals, which exacerbate affordability issues in tourist-heavy cities like Barcelona and Rome.

In response to the growing crisis, nearly half of the surveyed mayors (47%) prioritized increasing the supply of affordable housing, with 93% placing it among their top three concerns. Expanding social housing was also a key focus, with 32% of cities ranking it as their highest priority. Many cities are implementing strategies to counteract market-driven price increases and address the needs of vulnerable populations.

Mayors are calling for stronger EU support to tackle the housing crisis, emphasizing the need for direct funding and greater flexibility in national investments. A significant 56% of mayors ranked direct EU budget resources as their top priority. This highlights the demand for a cohesive EU strategy that empowers cities to implement ambitious housing policies and ensures financial resources are effectively allocated.

The report suggests that the EU should streamline access to funding, enhance transparency in housing markets, and regulate speculative practices. Cities are advocating for the establishment of dedicated financing mechanisms, clearer funding opportunities, and structural reforms to allow local governments greater fiscal autonomy. These measures are essential to address the pressing housing needs across Europe.

The European Commission has acknowledged the housing crisis as a fundamental issue, appointing a Commissioner responsible for housing and launching initiatives to mobilize public and private investment. The forthcoming European Affordable Housing Plan aims to address these challenges by focusing on funding and financing, ensuring that housing is treated as a social right, and fostering collaboration among member states and cities.

Through these efforts, Eurocities aims to ensure that cities remain central actors in shaping housing policies, ultimately working toward a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents across Europe.