Report of the HOUS mission to Barcelona, Spain

The resource titled "Report of the HOUS mission to Barcelona, Spain" is published by the European Parliament and authored by a delegation including Irene Tinagli, Nikolina Brnjac, Daniel Buda, and others. This report outlines the findings from a mission to Barcelona, focusing on the ongoing housing crisis in the European Union, specifically examining the challenges and solutions presented by Spain and Catalonia's housing policies.

The mission, which took place from May 26 to May 28, 2025, involved a delegation of 12 members from the HOUS Committee. Accompanied by experts from the committee's secretariat, the members engaged with various stakeholders, including government officials, social organizations, and academic researchers. The objective was to gain insights into housing policies, stakeholder perspectives, and innovative strategies addressing the housing crisis.

The report highlights significant legislative changes in Spain, particularly the introduction of Law 12/2023, which establishes a nationwide legal framework aimed at securing the right to housing. This law emphasizes affordability for vulnerable populations, rent regulation in high-pressure areas, and tax incentives for long-term rentals. The Catalan government has also implemented various measures, including Law 1/2023, targeting illegal occupations and promoting social housing.

Barcelona's City Council has prioritized housing through its Right to Housing Plan 2016-2025, focusing on expanding affordable housing and reducing social vulnerability. The upcoming Housing Plan for 2026-2033 aims to address the evolving challenges in the housing market. The city is actively engaged in international collaborations, such as the Mayors for Housing alliance, which advocates for stronger urban roles in housing policy.

During the mission, members met with various stakeholders, including the Spanish Minister for Housing, municipal authorities, and representatives from Cáritas Diocesana de Barcelona, a social action organization. Discussions centered on issues such as homelessness, affordable housing, and the importance of legislative reform to protect tenants and promote social reintegration. Cáritas emphasized the need for emergency social housing and a commitment to end homelessness.

Economic actors highlighted the structural imbalance in Spain's housing market, where the supply of new homes falls short of demand. This shortage is exacerbated by high land costs, restrictive regulations, and the long-term effects of the 2008 financial crisis, which continue to hinder housing development. They called for effective public-private cooperation to balance the needs of vulnerable populations with a stable investment framework.

University experts presented proposals that advocate for housing as a fundamental human right linked to health and equality. They emphasized the need for interdisciplinary approaches in housing policy, sustainable development, and improved public-private partnerships. Their insights reflect the ongoing housing crisis that has persisted since the 1950s, worsened by fragmented governance and lengthy development timelines.

The mission underscored the complexity of the housing crisis in Europe, revealing intersecting challenges related to regulation, socioeconomic pressures, and competing policy approaches. The diverse perspectives from stakeholders, including social organizations advocating for tenant protections and economic actors emphasizing increased supply, illustrate the multifaceted nature of the issue. The need for tailored solutions, evidence-based policymaking, and effective coordination between public and private sectors is crucial for addressing housing accessibility and affordability across Europe.