The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) is once again pressing the EU institutions to lose no time in addressing the structural housing crisis unfolding across Europe, and is calling on the European Commission to provide details about the planned initiatives and to adopt even more ambitious measures.

In the opinion adopted at the July plenary session and drawn up by Thomas Kattnig, the Committee welcomes the Strategy for Housing Construction included in the Affordable Housing Plan. However, it urges the Commission to take immediate action to:

• set the necessary framework conditions for construction to serve as a catalyst for affordable, sustainable and high-quality housing;
• include a right to adequate and affordable housing in EU primary law;
• identify sufficient funding;
• focus more on vulnerable groups, such as people with disabilities, older people, young people and families with children; and
• emphasise sustainability.

‘Europe needs a fresh start in housing construction and this must be affordable, innovative, sustainable and socially just,’ said Mr Kattnig. ‘Europe must finally take action. We need more housing and above all more affordable housing. Not luxury residential projects but homes that families, young people and workers can actually afford.’

Housing is not a luxury but a basic right. Yet, for an increasing number of people across Europe, this very fundamental right has become unaffordable. For years, too little affordable housing has been built, and the result is that there is a shortfall of around 650 000 homes every year. At the same time, rents have gone up by almost 30% since 2010 whereas property prices have risen by more than 60% since 2013.

In the EESC’s view, housing support must prioritise conversions, renovations or new builds on a case by case basis and promote climate-neutral and resource-efficient construction methods, collective housing and alternative approaches to mobility that improve people’s quality of life. (mp)