The European Parliament calls for the implementation of policies for affordable housing

The European Parliament and the European Commission discussed on Tuesday the implementation of policies for affordable housing, focusing on funding, construction, renovation, and access for young people and vulnerable groups to housing.

In brief

The event was organized by the European Parliament's special committee on the housing crisis in the EU and the European Commission. Participants discussed the transition from analyzing the housing crisis to implementing European measures. The Parliament considers housing a priority for the future Multiannual Financial Framework 2028–2034 and calls for dedicated funding, especially for public and social housing. Discussions focused on mobilizing public and private investments, renovation, modular construction, and avoiding further financialization of housing. Access for young people and students to housing was addressed separately, in the context of high costs and the lack of places in major cities.

MEPs met on Tuesday with representatives of the European Commission, decision-makers, civil society, financial institutions, and citizens to discuss how housing policies can be implemented in the European Union.

The high-level event was organized by the European Parliament's special committee on the housing crisis in the EU and the European Commission. Participants discussed the practical application of European measures aimed at the housing crisis.

Irene Tinagli, chair of the special committee, stated that the meeting marks the transition from analysis to implementation. She said that for over a year, the committee has worked with the European Commission, decision-makers, civil society, financial institutions, and citizens to identify the causes of the crisis and develop concrete solutions.

"Today's event marks a shift from analysis to implementation in addressing the housing crisis in Europe. For over a year, our committee has worked closely with the European Commission, decision-makers, civil society, financial institutions, and citizens to identify the root causes of the crisis and to develop concrete solutions that address all its dimensions. Today's meeting gave us the opportunity to focus on how these measures can now be delivered effectively," said Tinagli.

She stated that the Parliament and the Commission have established a clear roadmap, and housing is recognized for the first time among the Parliament's priorities for the next EU budget. Tinagli said that access to decent and affordable housing must be central to any strategy aimed at strengthening cohesion and competitiveness in Europe.

"The conditions are met: the Parliament and the Commission have established a clear roadmap, and housing is, for the first time, recognized among the Parliament's priorities for the next EU budget. We are ready to act and rely on the commitment of member states and regional and local authorities. Ensuring access to decent and affordable housing for all must be central to any strategy aimed at strengthening cohesion and competitiveness in Europe," said Tinagli.

The first debate focused on funding the transition in the housing sector. Participants discussed the recent report from the Parliament that identifies housing as a priority for the next Multiannual Financial Framework, for the period 2028–2034, and called on EU co-legislators to allocate dedicated funding for housing, especially for public and social housing.

Participants emphasized the need to mobilize public and private investments, including through the pan-European investment platform and existing European instruments, such as InvestEU and the European Social Fund. The discussion also included targeted subsidies for vulnerable groups.

Representatives of civil society argued that the current crisis is not only generated by insufficient investment but also by speculative practices. They called for guarantees to prevent further financialization of housing.

The second debate focused on the housing supply. Some speakers advocated for simplifying administrative procedures and a more harmonized regulatory framework as ways to reduce construction costs.

Participants emphasized, however, that increasing supply should not come at the expense of environmental and energy standards. Housing policies should support social inclusion, climate resilience, and long-term affordability.

Construction associations highlighted the advantages of off-site and modular construction, including faster delivery, cost efficiency, waste reduction, and better energy performance. At the same time, they emphasized the need to accelerate renovation alongside new construction.

The final debate focused on access to housing, especially for young people and vulnerable groups. Representatives of youth and student organizations explained the difficulties of accessing affordable housing in major cities, where accommodation for students is often insufficient and more expensive than regular housing.

The Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, referred to ongoing work with the European Investment Bank regarding possible guaranteed schemes to facilitate access to housing, including for students. He also mentioned the need for greater clarity regarding the measures that public authorities can take in high-pressure real estate markets.

The European Parliament adopted, on March 11, 2026, its recommendations regarding the housing crisis in the European Union, with the aim of promoting decent, sustainable, and affordable housing. The European Commission presented the first European plan for affordable housing in December 2025.

The special committee for the housing crisis in the EU was created to analyze the dimensions of the crisis and to formulate European responses. The event organized together with the European Commission shifted the focus towards funding and implementing measures, including through the future multiannual budget of the EU, investment instruments, and the involvement of national, regional, and local authorities.

The housing crisis affects member states differently, but the pressure on rents, the difficult access to housing for young people, and the need for energy renovation have become common themes in the European debate on social cohesion, competitiveness, and the green transition.