The report details the HOUS mission to Paris, organized by the European Parliament's Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union. The mission aimed to explore the French housing model, emphasizing social housing and the systemic challenges facing housing policy in Europe. The delegation included members from various political groups, such as Irene Tinagli, who led the mission, and was accompanied by support staff from the committee's secretariat.
The mission took place to gain insights into key topics related to housing in Paris, including the city's approach to social housing, rental policy, stakeholder perspectives, and potential EU actions. Members met with French National Assembly representatives, Paris city officials, and organizations like Fondation Abbé Pierre and Habitat et Humanisme. They discussed the gap between legislative ambition and practical implementation, particularly regarding housing rights and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
One significant discussion point was the DALO law (Droit au Logement Opposable), which enshrines housing as a legal right in France. Despite its comprehensive legal protections, testimonies indicated that many individuals struggle to access these rights due to complex legal frameworks. The Fondation Abbé Pierre noted that the "judicialization" of access to social rights complicates the situation further, making it difficult for those in need to navigate legal mechanisms.
The Espace Solidarité Habitat, a local resource center, serves approximately 5,000 households annually, offering legal consultations and mediating with landlords and public authorities. Their structured approach addresses the need for legal support in enforcing housing rights, emphasizing the importance of improving public policy based on real-life experiences. The mission highlighted the necessity of combining legal frameworks with frontline services to ensure vulnerable populations can access their rights effectively.
Housing in France has become the primary household expense, surpassing food costs. Rising energy prices have amplified the importance of energy-efficient renovations, and experts noted that social housing solutions must incorporate clear social conditions for public aid. Without these conditions, investments may not adequately address the needs of low-income households.
The delegation observed significant territorial disparities in the implementation of housing rights, particularly regarding the DALO law, which varies across French departments. This leads to inequalities in access to housing rights based on geographical location. Public financing for social and legal support for poorly housed individuals remains a significant challenge, as the sector struggles to find consistent public funding.
During the mission, the delegation visited various sites, including intergenerational housing projects that illustrate innovative approaches to social housing. These projects incorporate community engagement and social mixing, addressing the needs of vulnerable populations. The Habitat et Humanisme organization operates a hybrid financing model that combines public and private investment to create affordable housing options.
The Paris mission revealed the importance of recognizing housing as a Service of General Economic Interest at the European level. Recommendations included safeguarding against speculation, setting renovation requirements, and emphasizing social support. The experiences and lessons learned from Paris's housing policies are valuable for other European cities facing similar challenges in housing accessibility and sustainability.
Overall, the HOUS mission to Paris underscores the need for comprehensive housing strategies that integrate social, ecological, and participatory objectives. The findings highlight the importance of adapting policy frameworks to local contexts and engaging with diverse stakeholders to address housing crises effectively across Europe.