Housing for the Common Good: Rooting European Efforts in Local Approaches

The resource titled "Housing for the Common Good: Rooting European Efforts in Local Approaches" is published by Eurocities and the Heinrich Böll Stiftung, with contributions from authors Thomas Lymes, Anna Iafisco, and Carolina Picot. This publication addresses the escalating housing crisis across Europe, which is impacting a wide spectrum of urban residents, from the most vulnerable to essential workers and middle-income earners.

Cities in Europe are facing an intensifying housing crisis, with over 30% of European mayors identifying housing as a top priority, a significant increase from 15% in 2023. Rising housing costs, stagnant wages, and insufficient affordable housing supply are leading to increased rates of eviction and homelessness. The challenges of the housing crisis not only threaten social cohesion but also undermine cities' economic resilience and growth potential.

Amidst the crisis, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has recognized housing as a shared European concern, appointing a Commissioner for Energy and Housing to deliver a European Affordable Housing Plan. However, an estimated €270 billion annual investment gap in social and affordable housing highlights the scale of underinvestment. Cities encounter persistent obstacles, including limited budgets, competing policy priorities, and a shortage of suitable land for development.

The handbook presents various case studies from cities like Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Bonn, showcasing practical approaches to address housing challenges. Initiatives focus on vulnerable populations such as the elderly, single-parent families, and essential workers. Innovative strategies include integrating supportive services with housing, renovating unsafe dwellings, and fostering social cohesion through shared spaces.

The document emphasizes that sustainable funding remains a central hurdle for many pilot projects. Long-term success depends on reliable European and national funding, flexible financing instruments, and access to property. The case studies highlight the importance of collaborative governance models, which can enhance housing affordability, improve energy efficiency, and strengthen social inclusion.

For instance, Amsterdam’s "Affordable Housing for Starters" scheme aims to improve access to homeownership for first-time buyers and essential workers, while Barcelona’s "Housing with Supportive Services for the Elderly" scheme provides tailored housing solutions for seniors. Bonn's initiative to overcome homelessness seeks to prevent homelessness through targeted support.

The publication concludes that cities are actively engaging in innovative housing solutions tailored to their local contexts. However, many initiatives remain limited in scale or duration, emphasizing the need for sustained European support. Key policy priorities include transforming pilot projects into systemic strategies, increasing targeted funding, and embedding urban priorities within broader EU frameworks to ensure successful local initiatives can be scaled and replicated.