We Are Fighting for the Homes and Hearts of Europe - Dan JØRGENSEN’s Call on Housing Crisis on Sep 30, 2025

The video features Dan Jørgensen, the European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, presenting a keynote address at the High-Level Conference on Affordable and Sustainable Housing in Copenhagen. The publisher of this video is EU Debates, an initiative that fosters public dialogue and knowledge sharing among citizens across Europe.

Jørgensen highlights the urgent housing crisis facing Europe, characterized by overcrowded homes, rising rents, and millions of citizens unable to afford adequate heating or even find a place to live. This crisis poses a significant test of dignity, democracy, and solidarity within European communities. With over one in four young people aged 15 to 29 living in overcrowded conditions and many unable to leave their parents' homes until well into their thirties, the situation is dire.

The speech reveals alarming statistics: 47 million Europeans struggle to heat their homes adequately, including many essential workers like teachers and nurses who cannot afford to live in the communities they serve. Furthermore, over 1 million people, including 400,000 children, are homeless in Europe. These figures underscore the gravity of the situation and call for immediate action.

To address these issues, Jørgensen proposes a bold European Affordable Housing Plan that focuses on increasing EU funds, implementing fairer regulations, and making targeted investments. The plan aims to provide urgent support for young people, families, and vulnerable populations, emphasizing that decent, affordable housing should be recognized as a fundamental right for all Europeans.

The plan will inject more EU funds into housing initiatives and ease state aid regulations to enable member states to direct finances toward affordable housing. Jørgensen stresses the importance of private investments in addressing the scale of housing needs while discouraging speculative practices that exploit basic needs like housing.

Jørgensen emphasizes that funding alone will not resolve the crisis; practical steps must be taken to facilitate the delivery of affordable housing. This includes revising regulations to cut red tape and mobilizing the resources and workforce available in the construction sector. He outlines the need for legislation addressing short-term rentals and mentions ongoing discussions about best practices across Europe to combat homelessness effectively.

The affordable housing plan aims to share successful strategies between cities, ensuring that practical solutions can be adapted to different contexts throughout Europe. As part of this initiative, the EU seeks to improve energy efficiency in housing and reduce living costs, making homes more sustainable and accessible.

Jørgensen encourages public participation in shaping the affordable housing plan, inviting citizens to share their solutions for their communities. The response to the housing crisis is framed as not just a political necessity but a moral obligation, as it relates to the fundamental rights and dignity of European citizens.

In closing, Jørgensen asserts that the fight for affordable housing is a fight for the dignity and future of European communities. The message emphasizes unity, political courage, and the need for immediate action to overcome the housing crisis and ensure that every citizen has access to a home.