Living conditions in Europe - housing

The European Commission, a key institution within the European Union, published a report focusing on housing conditions in Europe. This report highlights various aspects of living conditions across the EU, emphasizing the importance of sustainable housing in improving quality of life. The data presented derives from the EU Statistics on Income and Living Conditions (EU-SILC), which provides insights into housing affordability, overcrowding, and overall satisfaction with living conditions.

In 2023, approximately 16% of individuals in the EU lived in overcrowded households, with Latvia (40.9%), Romania (40.0%), and Bulgaria (34.9%) exhibiting the highest rates. Conversely, the lowest overcrowding rates were found in Cyprus (2.2%), Malta (2.4%), and the Netherlands (3.8%). These statistics reveal significant disparities in living conditions across member states, indicating a pressing need for policy interventions to address overcrowding.

The report indicates that 10.6% of the EU population could not afford to keep their homes adequately warm, which marks an increase from 9.3% in 2022. Countries such as Portugal and Spain (both at 20.8%), alongside Bulgaria (20.7%), reported the highest rates of individuals unable to afford adequate heating. In contrast, Luxembourg (2.1%), Finland (2.6%), and Slovenia (3.6%) had the lowest rates. This upward trend in heating affordability highlights the growing challenges faced by many households, underscoring the need for energy-efficient housing solutions.

The affordability of housing remains a critical issue, as 8.8% of EU residents spent 40% or more of their disposable income on housing costs. Greece recorded the highest burden at 28.5%, followed by Denmark (15.4%) and Germany (13.0%). On the other hand, Cyprus (2.6%) and Slovenia (3.7%) reported the lowest housing cost burdens. Such disparities reflect the varying economic pressures on households within the EU, necessitating targeted strategies to alleviate housing cost burdens.

Satisfaction levels with housing also vary significantly within the EU. In 2023, 91.2% of individuals not at risk of poverty expressed satisfaction with their homes, compared to 83.7% of those at risk of poverty. The highest satisfaction rates among at-risk individuals were reported in Malta (94.3%), Slovenia (92.7%), and Luxembourg (92.2%). This disparity in satisfaction levels reveals a crucial link between economic stability and housing quality, indicating that vulnerable populations may require additional support to improve their living conditions.

The findings from this report underscore the urgent need for the European Commission to prioritize affordable and sustainable housing. Addressing these challenges is vital not only for enhancing living conditions but also for fostering social cohesion within the EU. The Commission's commitment to tackling housing issues reflects a broader strategy aimed at promoting energy-efficient buildings and supporting vulnerable groups, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future for all citizens in Europe.