Two European initiatives require rules for accessible housing and equal access to education and exchange programs

European citizens will be able to support two new initiatives regarding access to housing and education, after the European Commission approved their registration. Organizers will be able to open signature collection periods, and if each initiative reaches at least one million supporters from a minimum of seven member states, the Commission will have to analyze the proposals and explain what measures it intends to take.

The first initiative calls for European measures for affordable, sustainable, and fair housing, including regulating short-term rentals and vacant properties. The second aims to expand education on European rights and values, access to exchange programs, and the recognition of academic, technical, and professional qualifications throughout the Union.

In short, the "Right to Housing! Now and Forever" initiative calls for rules on short-term rentals, the use of vacant buildings, and maintaining housing at affordable prices. Organizers propose transforming vacant homes and offices into residential spaces and creating a European housing agency. The "All On Board" initiative calls for citizens to learn about rights, values, and participation in the EU and to have access to European exchange programs. Academic, technical, and professional qualifications obtained through these programs should be recognized equally in member states. Each initiative must gather one million signatures from at least seven countries to compel the Commission to respond officially.

The housing initiative stems from the increasing difficulty of finding affordable housing in numerous European cities and regions. Organizers are calling for interventions on short-term rentals and vacant properties, two phenomena they consider related to the reduction of available supply for residents.

Among the proposals is the transformation of vacant buildings, including unused homes and offices, into residential spaces. The initiative also calls for mandatory standards to ensure that housing remains affordable and sustainable, alongside the establishment of a European agency to coordinate policies and information in this area.

The second initiative aims to expand citizens' access to education about the European Union. Organizers are asking for people to be able to learn more easily about European rights, common values, and ways to participate in the democratic life of the Union.

The proposal includes access to European exchange programs and the recognition of results obtained after returning to the country of origin or to another member state. Academic, technical, professional qualifications, and transversal skills should be treated equally, so that participation in a European program is not disadvantaged by differences between national systems.

The registration of the two initiatives does not mean that the European executive supports the proposals or that it will automatically prepare legislation. The Commission has only checked whether the requests fall within the areas where it can propose measures and whether they are not abusive, lacking seriousness, or contrary to the fundamental values of the Union.

Organizers have six months to decide when to start collecting signatures. From the moment of launch, the support period will last 12 months, and the threshold of one million signatures must also be accompanied by reaching a minimum number of supporters in at least seven member states.

If the thresholds are met, the Commission must receive the organizers, examine the initiative, and present a reasoned response. The institution can decide to propose legislation, prepare other measures, or not act, but it must publicly explain the reasons for its decision.

The European Citizens' Initiative was introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon and has been used since 2012 to allow citizens to bring a subject to the Commission's agenda. Since the launch of the mechanism, 134 initiatives have been registered.