Another first: the European Parliament establishes a special committee on the housing crisis

With 480 votes in favour, the committee’s formation marks a historic milestone in EU housing policy.

Set to exist for one year, the committee will work intensively on mapping housing needs, particularly for low- and middle-income groups, as well as assess the economic impact of housing scarcity on issues like poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. It will scrutinise existing EU, national, and local policies, particularly around the availability of social and affordable housing in cities, rural areas, and islands. The new group of MEPs is also tasked with investigating the effects of housing speculation and examining the effectiveness of EU funds dedicated to providing decent, affordable housing and combating homelessness.

The committee will also address the growing challenges posed by short-term rentals, escalating housing prices, and barriers in the construction sector, paving the way for much-needed policy reforms. In the coming months, it will host hearings, visits to best practice initiatives, and conduct in-depth analyses to support the development of the European Affordable Housing Plan, which the Commission is set to introduce.

For Housing Europe, the focus on non-profit housing solutions, such as public, cooperative, and social housing, and the assessment of funding mechanisms will directly impact future EU policies aimed at delivering much-needed homes for vulnerable populations. Its creation sends a strong signal that Europe is taking its housing crisis seriously, and if this commitment is genuine, we look forward to working together, offering real-life examples, and contributing a century of expertise on how to deliver fair, sustainable homes.