Roundtable: Is Europe on the right track to tackle the housing crisis and provide affordable and sustainable homes to all?

The document discusses a roundtable event addressing the ongoing housing crisis in Europe, organized by the European Trade Union Institute (ETUI). The publisher, ETUI, focuses on research and educational activities related to social and labor issues in Europe. The event aims to assess whether Europe is effectively tackling the housing crisis and ensuring affordable, sustainable homes for all.

Europe is currently experiencing a housing emergency, with many citizens struggling to find adequate and affordable accommodation. Rent and housing prices have risen faster than wages, disproportionately impacting working individuals, pensioners, and their families. Poor housing quality has severe consequences for living conditions and health, highlighting the need for urgent policy interventions.

The document emphasizes that while housing is a source of substantial profits for certain individuals and investment funds, austerity policies threaten necessary investment in adequate housing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has committed to developing the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan, aiming to combat the current crisis.

The conference featured representatives from trade unions and social housing associations, discussing whether Europe is on the right track to provide affordable and sustainable housing. The second part of the event focused on homelessness, evaluating the effectiveness of the "European Platform on Combatting Homelessness" (EPOCH) in meeting its goals by 2030.

The event began with a keynote speech from Esther Lynch, General Secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC). The roundtable included speakers from various organizations, such as Tom Deleu from EFBWW and Pablo Sánchez Centellas from EPSU. They discussed the pressing issues of rent increases, housing quality, and the necessity of public investment.

Housing prices in Europe have risen by over 50% from 2010 to 2024, while rent has increased by approximately 25% on average. In some countries, such as Estonia and Ireland, rent prices have surged by more than 100%. These economic pressures have resulted in low-wage workers spending a significant portion of their income—often 35% or more—on housing, leading to financial strain and insecurity.

The document notes that around 177% of Europeans reside in inadequate housing, which exacerbates health and living condition issues. The conference underscored the need for investments in public and social housing to tackle these challenges effectively.

As the event concluded, there were calls for broader alliances and stakeholder engagement to address homelessness and housing issues comprehensively. Participants highlighted the need for political commitment and innovative solutions to ensure that housing is recognized as a human right across Europe.

Looking ahead, the ETUI emphasized the importance of maintaining pressure on European institutions to prioritize housing policies that address the most vulnerable populations. The need for a coordinated approach combining investment, regulation, and social support was deemed essential for effectively combating homelessness and ensuring affordable housing for all.