Survey of European mayors: Housing crisis calls for urgent EU action

In the context of the ongoing urban housing crisis, Eurocities, a network representing over 200 cities across Europe, has published a significant report authored by Andrew Kennedy. The findings stem from the Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey 2025, which highlights the pressing need for urgent EU action to address rising social inequalities and the desperate demand for affordable housing across Europe.

The survey reveals that European mayors are increasingly alarmed by the spiraling urban housing crisis. Conducted with responses from 86 mayors in 26 countries, the survey indicates that access to affordable housing has surged in urgency, rising to the second most critical issue this year from fifth place two years prior. Alarmingly, only 14% of mayors report that housing remains affordable in their cities, while 39% claim housing is currently unaffordable and 47% observe it is at serious risk of becoming unaffordable. The primary drivers of this crisis include increasing demand, soaring construction costs, and limited land availability.

For the third consecutive year, climate action is reported as the top concern for mayors, receiving more than twice as many mentions as any other issue. In response to reduced support from EU and national levels, 63% of mayors are investing in green infrastructure, clean mobility, and adaptation measures despite significant budget pressures.

The mayors are advocating for a comprehensive European Affordable Housing Plan, which would include a dedicated fast-tracked EU housing fund, support for public-private partnerships, and innovative building solutions. They emphasize the necessity for more EU and national support to develop high-quality, affordable housing as 34% of mayors highlighted it as a key priority for 2025.

While 64% of mayors express optimism about their city's economic outlook, only 31% feel positive about their national economies. A significant third of mayors report persistent budget pressures exacerbated by high inflation and global instability, particularly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. These financial constraints have forced many cities to scale back essential investments in housing, infrastructure, and climate action.

The survey indicates that accessing EU funding is a significant challenge, with only 33% of mayors finding it easy to access compared to 44% for national funding and 55% for regional funding. Mayors are calling for direct access to EU funding and a more substantial role in policymaking to facilitate necessary investments in cities.

Despite the challenges, over 70% of mayors remain optimistic about the EU's future, contrasting with lower confidence in national authorities. They express deep concerns about the ongoing centralization in Europe and its implications for democracy, noting that only one in four mayors feel their city has high fiscal autonomy.

Sustainable transport is another key focus for mayors, who seek to enhance networks and maintain affordable services. However, funding gaps and high costs pose significant obstacles to progress.

This report serves as a crucial reminder of the urgent need for collaborative action at both local and EU levels to tackle the pressing issues of housing affordability and sustainability in urban environments across Europe.