HOUSING CRISIS – EESC RECOMMENDS TAKING BOLDER MEASURES

The EESC is continuing to monitor the housing emergency and has adopted a new opinion to press the EU institutions to take urgent action.

Drawn up by Thomas Kattnig and adopted at the March plenary session, the opinion Tackling housing scarcity through affordable, sustainable and family-oriented housing policies urges the European Commission in particular to adopt far more ambitious measures to address the structural housing crisis.

‘Housing is a fundamental right,’ said Mr Kattnig during the plenary session. ‘Europe must curb speculation, protect people from energy poverty and invest in affordable, sustainable homes for families and future generations.’

In the exploratory opinion, requested by the Cyprus Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the EESC welcomes the European Affordable Housing Plan presented by the European Commission in December 2025. However, it is of the view that the Commission must act swiftly to present the announced initiatives and even stronger measures, including:

• better framework conditions;
• a right to adequate and affordable housing in EU primary law;
• a fundamental reform of the energy market design;
• sufficient funding; and 
• a stronger focus on young people, families and sustainability. 

The Committee criticises the lack of clear land-use and spatial planning guidance, the risks of urban sprawl and of climate backsliding and the insufficient role given to cities, regions and local authorities.

In addition, it calls for an effective rural development strategy and proven tools, with a mandatory percentage of subsidised, affordable housing. (mp)