Affordable housing: MEPs react to Commission’s new plan

Chair of the Special Committee on Housing Irene Tinagli and rapporteur Borja Giménez Larraz set out their views on the new EU strategy for housing.

Reacting to the EU’s Affordable Housing Plan, presented by the European Commission on 16 December, the chair of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU, Irene Tinagli (S&D, IT), said: “Today’s presentation of the Affordable Housing plan shows citizens across Europe that the EU is finally taking practical steps to address this urgent social and economic crisis. Over the past year, our committee has been assessing housing needs in the member states, the impact of EU funds in rural and urban areas, the impact of short term rentals, the roles of actors such as cooperatives and non-profit organisations, and the structural challenges facing the construction sector. We visited European cities to learn from best practices and find out what areas to address first. The Commission recognises the urgency of these issues, and I’m glad that many of our concerns are reflected in the plan.

We will now continue our work on Parliament’s own report, where we will highlight the need to boost public and private investment, step up action for vulnerable groups, prioritise the revitalisation of vacant buildings and reform rules to strengthen national, regional and local authorities. EU action is essential to restore balance and fairness in the housing market, because everyone deserves a place to call home."

The rapporteur for Parliament’s report on the housing crisis in the EU, Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES), said: “The Commission’s affordable housing plan reflects what we have long advocated: increasing housing supply, eliminating unnecessary and disproportionate burdens, supporting young people and families, facilitating investment, and ensuring adequate funding. These practical measures empower local authorities and offer real solutions so that all Europeans are able to build a home.

From the outset, our report has been clear: simplification must guide EU housing policy—reducing administrative burdens, speeding up building permits and cutting unnecessary red tape. These priorities are essential, especially the strategy for affordable construction, which reflects what we have long been calling for. Reinforcing property rights has been a core priority from the beginning, as legal certainty for families is key to market stability. We will continue with this approach so that we can keep contributing to the Commission’s work on housing solutions.”

Background

Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU was established on 30 January 2025 to propose solutions for decent, sustainable, and affordable housing for all European citizens. Parliament is scheduled to adopt its draft report on the housing crisis in the EU in the first half of 2026.