Von der Leyen to push even harder on housing in 2026

The article discusses European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's commitment to addressing the ongoing housing crisis in the EU as part of the legislative agenda for 2026. Published by POLITICO, a well-known news outlet that focuses on political news and policy analysis in Europe, the article is authored by Aitor Hernández-Morales and Ferdinand Knapp. Their coverage highlights how housing affordability has become a critical issue, particularly in light of the rising cost of living across the continent.

During her speech in the European Parliament, von der Leyen emphasized that housing affordability is a primary focus of the Commission's Work Program for 2026. She pointed out that the high price of housing threatens the EU’s competitiveness and undermines citizens' ability to live where job opportunities are available. This urgency is underscored by a commitment to tackle short-term rental markets, which have significantly inflated housing costs in major cities. The Commission plans to introduce regulations for tourist flats by spring, aiming to ensure that local residents are not displaced from their neighborhoods.

The agenda for 2026 includes the upcoming Affordable Housing Plan, expected to be released in December. This initiative will target the financialization of the housing stock and aims to mitigate speculative investments that threaten basic housing needs. Furthermore, the Construction Services Act, set to be published toward the end of 2026, seeks to reduce regulations in the building sector to expedite the construction of new homes.

The article also contextualizes the housing crisis within the rising influence of far-right political parties across Europe, which have capitalized on public discontent regarding housing shortages. In countries like the Netherlands and Portugal, far-right parties have gained traction by highlighting failures in addressing soaring home prices, often linking these issues to immigration.

Von der Leyen's proactive stance on housing reflects her personal commitment as she approaches her reelection campaign in 2024. She has characterized the housing shortage as a social crisis, a sentiment echoed by the European Parliament's formation of a special committee to address the issue. National leaders are also set to discuss housing challenges at upcoming EU summits, further illustrating the urgency of this matter across the continent.

The overarching message from von der Leyen is clear: Europe must act decisively to ensure that all citizens have access to affordable housing. Her initiatives aim not only to alleviate immediate concerns but also to lay the groundwork for sustainable housing solutions that can withstand future economic challenges. This holistic approach reflects the Commission's commitment to delivering results for all European citizens.