In December, the European Commission presented the European Affordable Housing Plan, prompting the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) to convene stakeholders from European, national, and local levels. This meeting aimed to evaluate the ongoing housing crisis and explore actionable solutions.
The Committee is committed to addressing issues related to speculation, closing investment gaps, and maintaining business competitiveness. The EESC remains focused on the housing crisis and is prepared to provide new recommendations, particularly concerning its significant impact on young people and the most vulnerable segments of our society.
“Housing is first and foremost a social issue,’ said EESC President Séamus Boland, ‘but it is no longer only that. It is an economic issue. A demographic issue. A competitiveness issue. This is why tackling the housing crisis is one of the key priorities of my mandate.”
President Boland also pointed out that in some Member States, house prices and rents had risen by more than 100%, and that young Europeans were delaying becoming independent.
In his opinion, “the reality is unfortunately harsh: Europe is facing a housing emergency. An estimated 1.28 million people in Europe live on the street, in shelters or in temporary accommodation. In Brussels alone – the capital that should embody our collective European project – nearly 10 000 people are experiencing homelessness.”
Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, thanked the EESC for its work and for adopting the opinion “For a European Affordable Housing Plan – the contribution of civil society” in September 2025, which was instrumental in shaping its final plan.
He added, “Now that we have our final plan, we must put it into action. We must harness all of the political tools and proposals so that we can support Member States, regions and local authorities to deliver more affordable, sustainable and quality housing.”
Commissioner Jørgensen outlined the Commission’s next steps: swiftly delivering the Affordable Housing Act, continuing work on a housing simplification package, focusing on financing, and launching the pan-European Investment Platform later this year. The Commission will also enhance support for young people and students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, a housing alliance will be launched, along with a housing summit to promote high-level cooperation.
Matthew Baldwin, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s DG ENER, stressed the need for political momentum, highlighting that housing must be a priority for Europe. Aodhán Ó RÃordáin MEP echoed this, noting that housing and poverty are interconnected and that coordinated EU measures are essential. He called for a strong, collective effort from all stakeholders to bring about real change.
Michaela Kauer, Director of the Brussels office of the City of Vienna and coordinator of the EU Urban Agenda Housing Partnership, highlighted Vienna’s leadership in promoting “housing for the common good” for both people and the planet. She attributed the success of the Vienna model to strong political will and ongoing stakeholder engagement, while emphasising the need to address housing affordability through a gender lens, as “energy poverty clearly has a woman’s face.”
Marie Linder, President of the International Union of Tenants, stressed the importance of tenant representation in decision-making, advocating for tools such as restabilisation and protections for long-term rentals. Chiara Martinelli, Director of Climate Action Network Europe, highlighted the link between the housing emergency and energy poverty, calling for action to implement policies that turn the Commission’s plans into shared EU priorities.
The EESC will present recommendations in March on addressing housing scarcity through affordable, sustainable housing policies, led by rapporteur Thomas Kattnig, who emphasised the need for proper policy responses and prioritisation of social housing. Cillian Lohan, President of the EESC’s Civil Society Organisations’ Group, reinforced support for the European Affordable Housing Plan. Lastly, Sandra Parthie, President of the EESC Employers’ Group, reminded that affordable housing is an economic concern as well as a social one.
“High housing costs are pushing workers out of some areas, creating barriers to employment and worsening labour shortages. Businesses are ready to be part of the solution, but construction costs, material shortages, lengthy permitting procedures and financing conditions are a challenge. We need more commitment from the EU and Member States,” emphasised Sandra Parthie.
