The European Commission has published a statement on the first European Affordable Housing Plan, which aims to increase access to affordable, sustainable, and high-quality housing. The statement highlights that over the past 10 years, housing prices across the EU have risen by an average of more than 60%, while rents have increased by over 20%, emphasizing that millions of Europeans are facing serious difficulties in finding housing.
Noting that the housing crisis negatively affects labor mobility, access to education, and decisions on starting a family, the Commission stated that the current situation is harming the EU economy’s competitiveness and Europe’s social cohesion. It therefore underlined the importance of a joint and coordinated effort among member states to overcome the crisis.
The Commission said it will support member states, regions, and cities under the plan, stating: “This plan focuses on increasing housing supply, triggering investment and reforms, addressing short-term rentals in areas facing housing shortages, and supporting the groups most affected by the crisis.”
The statement also noted that through a European housing construction strategy, the aim is to address the imbalance between housing supply and demand and to contribute to the development of a more productive and innovative construction and renovation sector.
It was further stated that changes to EU state aid rules will make it easier for member states to support affordable and social housing projects, while existing rules and procedures that limit housing supply will be simplified.
The Commission recalled that it has so far mobilized EUR 43 billion in investments in the housing sector and announced that similar financing and support mechanisms will continue in the coming period.
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