Tenth Overview of Housing Exclusion in Europe

The Tenth Overview of Housing Exclusion in Europe is a joint publication by FEANTSA and the Fondation pour le Logement des Défavorisés, authored by Margaux Charbonnier, Sarah Coupechoux, and others. This comprehensive report addresses the escalating housing crisis in Europe, emphasizing the urgent need for political action to combat homelessness and housing exclusion.

The report highlights a significant rise in homelessness across Europe, with an increasing number of individuals unable to secure adequate housing. The European Union has recognized housing as a critical social issue, marking a potential turning point in addressing the crisis. However, the definition of 'affordable housing' remains ambiguous, often interpreted to favor middle-income households while neglecting the needs of the most disadvantaged.

Recent data indicates that homelessness is on the rise in various countries, including Finland, where budget cuts have led to a 11% increase in homelessness for the first time in over a decade. In Denmark, the number of homeless individuals has also risen, particularly among those aged over 60. Ireland has seen a staggering 300% increase in homelessness over the past ten years. Conversely, Hungary faces severe poverty and an ageing homeless population.

The report points out the challenges in accurately measuring homelessness due to varying definitions and methodologies across countries. For instance, Belgium has improved its data collection methods significantly, while other countries still lack reliable statistics. The report emphasizes the necessity of harmonized data collection to develop effective public policies against homelessness.

The need for affordable housing has gained considerable attention at the European level, particularly amid the cost-of-living crisis. The European Commission plans to introduce an Affordable Housing Plan, aiming to balance housing as a basic right with its role as a financial asset. However, the report warns that the current shift toward 'affordable housing' risks sidelining social housing, which is vital for low-income households.

The authors call for the European Commission to prioritize the right to adequate housing and the fight against homelessness. They stress the importance of sustained public investment in social housing and the need for targeted allocation policies that focus on the most vulnerable populations. Effective coordination among various levels of governance is essential for implementing successful strategies.

In summary, the Tenth Overview of Housing Exclusion in Europe underscores the urgency of addressing the housing crisis through unified efforts across the continent. It advocates for a comprehensive understanding of housing needs and the importance of integrating social housing with affordable housing initiatives to create a sustainable and inclusive housing system for all European citizens.