2024, the year housing took centre stage in the EU

Many unprecedented steps forward.

• For the first time, we have a European Commissioner with "Housing" in the title.
• A dedicated Task Force within the European Commission will soon bring coherence to the EU’s fragmented housing strategies.
• In the European Parliament, a special Committee focused solely on housing was approved last evening.

But they come with an essential caveat.

Success at the EU level depends on reflecting the diverse realities across Europe and dialogue will be the key to translating ambition into action.

This renewed focus on housing didn’t appear overnight.

The deepening crisis has forced political leaders to confront the harsh realities.

• 1 in 5 jobs in small and medium-sized enterprises in France remain unfilled due to a lack of affordable housing.
• Homelessness is rising, and housing exclusion continues to grow.
• The social and economic toll of failed policies is no longer tenable.

We’ve heard bold announcements.

A new EU Affordable Housing Plan, a pan-European housing investment platform, and a proposed doubling of cohesion funds will unfold against a backdrop of concerning national budget cuts, unfit fiscal rules and state aid regulations that need an improvement. We must remain vigilant to ensure these initiatives bring solutions, not setbacks.

The EU has also promised a construction innovation strategy.

Yet, across Europe, underuse of social and environment clauses in procurement rules still drive a lowest-price mentality, undermining quality and working conditions. Innovation must serve people first, address the housing crisis, while undoubtedly, benefitting the economy and fair businesses. Housing Europe, together with our members, is ready to lead these critical conversations.

We believe EU funding must continue to prioritise high-impact, socially beneficial projects, recognising public, cooperative, and social housing providers as Europe’s most reliable long-term investors. The housing crisis was not caused by a lack of finance but by poorly defined rules that failed to put people and the planet first.

Construction prices have soared by 20% in just four years, far outpacing the previous decade's rise. A robust EU strategy is essential to combat unsustainable price increases and deliver affordable homes.

The stakes could not be higher.

In November, at our Leaders’ Summit, Housing Europe’s members united to send a powerful message to policymakers. Inclusive housing systems are not just desirable—they are essential for Europe’s future.

Competitiveness is meaningless without access to healthy, affordable homes.

We can’t stop at numbers; we need to create vibrant, thriving communities that respect planetary boundaries. Together, we must ensure that Europe listens, learns, and leads. The added value of EU action must respect the rich diversity of housing systems across the continent. And we are here to foster the dialogue needed to make that happen.

Watch this video with Housing Europe Secretary-General Sorcha Edwards that encapsulates our take of 2024.