Europe’s Housing Crisis Threatens the Foundations of Democracy

The article "Europe’s Housing Crisis Threatens the Foundations of Democracy" by Bartosz Rydlinski, published by Social Europe, addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing in Europe. As millions of students return to universities each autumn, they face not just logistical challenges but financial hardships in securing housing. This crisis is transforming higher education from a public good into an elite privilege, with some students forced to withdraw due to unaffordable living conditions.

Eurofound has raised alarms about the implications of unaffordable housing on the youth in the EU, highlighting concerns that include homelessness, housing insecurity, financial strain, and inadequate living conditions. Such issues negatively impact health, well-being, and overall productivity, while also leading to increased healthcare costs and environmental degradation. The housing sector has shifted from being a source of stability to a commodity, predominantly serving the interests of the ultra-wealthy, thus leaving many young people struggling to establish independent lives.

The article outlines a stark contrast between past and present housing policies in Europe. Following World War II, various governments, regardless of their political affiliations, launched extensive housing programs that provided affordable housing to citizens. In countries like Italy, France, and the UK, millions of affordable homes were constructed to support economic growth. In contrast, today’s wealthier democracies have largely relinquished housing provision to market forces, raising questions about the political will behind this shift.

The failure to address housing inequality poses significant political risks. The rise of far-right movements can be attributed in part to widespread feelings of insecurity and disenfranchisement. Economic precarity impacts workers and pensioners alike, while younger generations find themselves locked out of fundamental milestones such as homeownership and stable employment. These anxieties foster fertile ground for exclusionary political narratives that exploit public frustration while diverting attention from systemic issues.

When institutions fail to meet essential needs, public trust in democratic processes declines. The erosion of the social contract leads to an appeal for radical alternatives, not necessarily better solutions but simply change from the current status quo. The inability of European democracies to deliver basic housing promises could threaten not only economic stability but the very foundation of democratic governance.

The article concludes by emphasizing that the housing crisis is a critical issue affecting the future of democracy in Europe. A generation locked out of stable housing may have diminished stakes in democratic structures, potentially leading to increased support for radical political experiments. The question now revolves around whether democratic institutions can address the housing crisis effectively to safeguard both economic and political stability in Europe.