The European Commission published a report in December 2024 detailing living conditions in Europe, with a focus on housing. This report highlights significant data regarding housing affordability, overcrowding, and overall satisfaction among the population. It draws from the EU statistics on income and living conditions (EU-SILC), which are crucial for understanding the quality of life across the EU.
Overcrowded Households
In 2023, 16% of people in the EU lived in overcrowded households, with the highest rates observed in Latvia (40.9%), Romania (40.0%), and Bulgaria (34.9%). Conversely, the lowest overcrowding rates were in Cyprus (2.2%), Malta (2.4%), and the Netherlands (3.8%). This data underscores the pressing issue of housing space in certain EU regions, indicating a need for improved housing policies to address overcrowding.
Heating Affordability
The report indicates that 10.6% of the EU population struggled to keep their homes adequately warm in 2023, a rise from 9.3% in the previous year. The highest rates were found in Portugal and Spain (both at 20.8%) and Bulgaria (20.7%), while Luxembourg (2.1%), Finland (2.6%), and Slovenia (3.6%) had the lowest. This increase in heating affordability issues reflects rising energy costs and emphasizes the necessity for sustainable housing solutions that ensure thermal comfort without financial strain.
Housing Cost Burden
Approximately 8.8% of people in the EU spent 40% or more of their disposable income on housing costs in 2023. Greece had the highest burden at 28.5%, followed by Denmark (15.4%) and Germany (13.0%). In contrast, Cyprus (2.6%), Slovenia (3.7%), and Croatia (4.0%) reported the lowest rates. This disparity highlights the need for policies that address housing cost burdens, particularly in countries where a significant portion of income is devoted to housing.
Satisfaction with Dwellings
Satisfaction levels regarding housing were notably higher among individuals not at risk of poverty, with 91.2% expressing satisfaction compared to 83.7% of those at risk. The highest satisfaction rates among at-risk groups were in Malta (94.3%) and Slovenia (92.7%), while the lowest were in Hungary (67.4%) and Slovakia (77.5%). The difference in satisfaction levels between the two groups averaged 7.5 percentage points across the EU, underscoring the impact of economic stability on housing satisfaction.
Context and Future Directions
The European Commission's Political Guidelines for 2024-2029 emphasize the importance of affordable and sustainable housing as a key priority. The Commission recognizes the housing crisis affecting many EU citizens and aims to implement policies that enhance the supply of affordable housing, improve energy efficiency, and support vulnerable populations. A newly appointed Commissioner will oversee an 'Energy and Housing' portfolio, reflecting the commitment to tackle the intertwined challenges of energy and housing.
In conclusion, the report sheds light on the critical housing issues facing the EU, including overcrowding, heating affordability, housing cost burdens, and satisfaction levels. It provides valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders aimed at enhancing living conditions through sustainable housing initiatives.