How to tackle the housing crisis: discussion with the EU commissioner for Housing

The item presents a discussion led by Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, alongside members of the European Parliament's special committee addressing the housing crisis in Europe. The dialogue aired on the European Parliament's official YouTube channel and focuses on strategies to tackle the increasing housing challenges faced by citizens across EU member states. The session highlights the urgency of the housing crisis, which encompasses various demographics from young adults to families and the elderly.

The housing crisis in Europe has reached alarming levels, with 10% of the EU population spending over 40% of their disposable income on housing. As of recent reports, approximately 900,000 people in Europe are homeless. These figures underscore the significant social and economic implications of inadequate housing, impacting job mobility and overall economic dynamism.

The European Commission acknowledges that housing primarily falls under the responsibility of member states but emphasizes the need for EU-level support to address the crisis. Jørgensen mentioned that the commission has earmarked €21.3 billion from the Recovery and Resilience Facility for housing reforms and investments. The aim is to double cohesion policy investments in affordable housing while mobilizing both public and private investments through a planned Pan-European investment platform.

The discussion emphasized the importance of an integrated approach that considers social, financial, and regulatory perspectives. The link between housing and energy efficiency is particularly critical, as improving energy performance can lower living costs for families. The commission aims to leverage existing EU instruments to address housing shortages while exploring the development of new tools tailored to the unique needs of various member states.

Several members of the committee raised concerns regarding the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability and affordability. New EU regulations are anticipated to provide transparency in this sector. Additionally, discussions about revising state aid rules were highlighted to facilitate investments in affordable housing while ensuring that the internal market remains unaffected.

The plight of young people struggling to find affordable housing was a recurring theme throughout the discussion. The need for policies that promote rural living, improve infrastructure, and enhance job opportunities for youth was emphasized. The commission plans to initiate a youth dialogue to gather input from younger demographics directly affected by the housing crisis.

As the midterm review of the cohesion policy approaches, it presents a pivotal opportunity for member states to adapt their operational plans to prioritize housing. The commission's commitment to modernizing cohesion policy aims to ensure that funds are effectively directed toward sustainable housing solutions, addressing both urban and rural needs. The emphasis will be on collaboration between local authorities, regional governments, and the EU to create a cohesive strategy for tackling the housing crisis.

The session reflected a collective commitment among EU representatives to confront the housing crisis with urgency and resolve. By integrating various policy areas and engaging stakeholders at all levels, the commission aims to foster an environment where affordable and sustainable housing is accessible to all citizens across Europe.