The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC), in collaboration with Eurofound, recently convened a high-level conference focused on the critical housing challenges facing Europe. The event underscored the urgent need for coordinated solutions, as housing has become a major social and economic concern.
Held on 10 November in Dublin, the conference highlighted the necessity for the European Union to implement effective measures and practical solutions. The primary objective is to increase the supply of affordable, sustainable housing, improve access for all citizens, and strengthen a cohesive European response that respects the authority of Member States.
“Affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing Europeans today. Our discussions at this special conference in Dublin today underline that there is no single solution to this crisis. The EU, Member States and civil society must work together to increase affordable housing, unlock investment and protect those most at risk. Housing is about more than a roof over our heads. It is about dignity, security and trust in our societies,” said Séamus Boland, President of the EESC.
Titled “Beyond Affordable Housing: Structural Solutions to Europe’s Housing Crisis,” the conference brought together approximately 100 representatives from EU institutions, national, regional, and local authorities, social partners, civil society organisations, and academia. This gathering took place at a pivotal moment when housing issues are of paramount importance. It also preceded an informal meeting of housing ministers scheduled for 25-26 November.
Moreover, the conference contributed to the efforts of the European Housing Alliance, launched on 19 June 2026, by fostering the exchange of knowledge and best practices while formulating concrete recommendations for future initiatives.
Urgent need for practical solutions
The housing crisis is increasingly affecting people across Europe and has become a significant social concern. Recent protests in various European nations have underscored the urgent need for solutions to address housing affordability and accessibility. A recent Eurofound study indicates that, since 2010, property sales prices in Europe have risen by an average of 55%, while rents have increased by 27%. Unfortunately, for many, income levels have not kept pace with these rising costs.
“I am very pleased that Eurofound and the EESC are deepening their cooperation. This conference highlights the need for structural solutions to Europe’s housing crisis. It re-affirms Eurofound’s findings that the crisis disproportionately impacts young people and low-paid workers in ways headline statistics fail to capture, as well as the EESC’s commitment to placing civil dialogue front and centre while tackling territorial inequalities,” emphasised Ivailo Kalfin, Eurofound’s Executive Director.
While the housing crisis is widespread, certain demographic groups are particularly vulnerable to affordability issues, including younger individuals, households with dependent children, and older adults. The consequences of unaffordable housing can manifest in several ways: housing exclusion, housing insecurity, financial strain due to housing costs, and inadequate living conditions.
The EESC, representing organised civil society within the EU, emphasises the need to move beyond recognising the housing crisis and implement practical, actionable solutions that can significantly improve the quality of life for affected individuals. This includes increasing the supply of affordable, sustainable, high-quality housing to meet demand better. However, simply increasing supply is insufficient. Housing should be considered a fundamental right rather than a financial commodity.
It is essential to pay particular attention to those in vulnerable situations and individuals facing homelessness. Addressing these challenges may require preventive measures and long-term strategies, such as “Housing First” policies, which aim to provide stable housing as a foundation for improving overall well-being.
“Our recommendations focus first and foremost on how we tackle the homelessness issue, using the likes of “Housing First” policies, on the definition of energy affordability, and on how we raise finance and plan investment. In doing that, we can restore confidence in our democracies, from local government right up to our European Union. More than anything else, it is through the Housing Alliance that we can bring people in, listen to different views, get the best ideas and start delivering,” added Eamon Ryan, Chair of the European Commission’s Housing Advisory Board.
Effective action is needed
The current momentum at the European level must be translated into effective action. After the European Affordable Housing Plan launched in December 2025 and the Affordable Housing Act proposed in September 2026, the European Commission plans to introduce a Housing Simplification Package in 2027 to boost the supply of affordable and sustainable housing.
The EESC has already made key recommendations, including “Making Housing Affordable” in September and “Fighting Housing Exclusion and Homelessness Among Children, Families, and Young People” in October. The Committee is expected to adopt an opinion on the EU Affordable Housing Act in December.
