eu rents — MEPs are sounding the alarm over soaring EU rents, emphasising that a generation cannot build a future without affordable housing. On Tuesday, the European Parliament adopted a significant report from the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis, which garnered 367 votes in favour, 166 against, and 84 abstentions. This report aims to tackle the pressing issue of rising housing costs and the scarcity of decent living conditions across the European Union.
Eu rents: Critical Measures for Housing Affordability
The report calls for coordinated EU initiatives to address the escalating prices and housing shortages that affect millions. MEPs highlighted the urgent need for improved living standards by reinforcing the Commission’s Affordable Housing Plan, which should allocate funds specifically for renovation and energy performance enhancements. This approach aims to alleviate energy poverty and elevate the overall quality of housing.
Quality Standards and Short-Term Rentals
Lawmakers stressed that all new residential properties must comply with quality standards concerning insulation, energy efficiency, and indoor air quality. In light of the growing trend of short-term rentals, the parliament urged that forthcoming legislation must strike a balance between fostering tourism and securing access to affordable housing for residents.
Flexibility for Member States
The recommendations advocate for EU legislation to set common objectives while allowing member states the flexibility to tailor measures to their unique housing markets. MEPs underscored the necessity of increasing public and social housing in urban areas to enhance affordability and accessibility for vulnerable populations.
Tenant Protections and Fair Rental Practices
In a strong stance against squatting, the parliament condemned illegal home occupations and called for stricter protections for property owners. At the same time, they urged member states to bolster tenant protections by ensuring fair rental conditions and curbing excessive rent increases.
Tax Incentives and Housing Accessibility
On the fiscal front, MEPs proposed an incentive-based tax system to assist low- and middle-income households. This includes removing tax barriers faced by first-time buyers and establishing conditions that render long-term rentals more affordable. The report advocates for greater EU investment in housing, recommending better coordination of existing funding programmes and reallocating unused resources from the Recovery and Resilience Plan.
Streamlining Procedures for Construction
Lawmakers also called for revisions to state aid rules that facilitate public investment in social housing while respecting the diverse housing market landscapes in the EU. They urged the European Commission to introduce a housing simplification package aimed at reducing bureaucratic hurdles in the sector. This includes streamlining permitting processes to ensure planning permits are processed within a maximum of 60 days.
Strengthening the Construction Sector
To enhance the EU’s construction and renovation sector, MEPs highlighted the importance of boosting industrial sovereignty by scaling up innovative and sustainable products. They appealed for the reinforcement of the single market for raw materials and the establishment of minimum “Made in EU” origin requirements for components used in EU co-financed projects.
Improving Working Conditions for Skilled Workers
MEPs also emphasised the need to improve the working conditions of skilled workers in the construction industry through training initiatives and fair wages. They advocated for easier labour mobility within the EU, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and, when necessary, the recruitment of skilled labour from third countries.
“A generation that cannot afford a home cannot build a future. Europe is short 10 million homes, rents are up by more than 30 per cent, and young people and families are paying the price,” said Borja Giménez Larraz, rapporteur of the housing report. He further expressed that for the first time, the European Parliament is providing a roadmap involving a housing simplification package, expedited permits, and stronger support for vulnerable groups.
Urgent Action Required
Housing committee chair Irene Tinagli emphasised that “housing is a fundamental social priority,” noting that the housing crisis affects people across all member states. She affirmed that the European Parliament is taking decisive action to address this urgent social and economic crisis, stressing that everyone deserves a place to call home.
