Housing Movements & European Cohesion

Across the continent, the escalating affordability crisis has transformed housing from a local challenge into a critical test for European cohesion. Civic organising, ranging from tenant unions to community-led cooperatives, is stepping up to reclaim decision-making power for residents and offer concrete solutions that counter anti-democratic, populist narratives. This pan-European political dimension of housing demonstrates how tangible, locally visible improvements can rebuild faith in public institutions. By leveraging cross-border solidarity and institutional frameworks like the European Investment Bank and the European Affordable Housing Plan, these movements are not only addressing immediate shelter needs but also forging a shared democratic identity and driving a just transition across member states.

Below, you will find a curated collection of resources, organisations, and events that explore this vibrant ecosystem. The knowledge section features insights into Europe's vacant property problem, the squeeze of the cost-of-living crisis, and the realities of racial discrimination in the rental market, alongside explorations of social impact investing and what cooperatives can learn from decentralised autonomous organisations. You can also connect with key groups driving this work, such as the Bauwende Allianz, Alliance4Europe, and Actors of Urban Change. Finally, we invite you to engage directly with the community through upcoming events like The Common City Conference 2026, MEHR Festival, and local advocacy gatherings such as Sicher Wohnen in Berlin, to discover how collaborative efforts are shaping the future of European housing.