Today the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis will convene a crucial conference in Brussels to discuss measures aimed at ensuring EU citizens have access to affordable housing.
The event, organised in collaboration with the European Commission, will bring together key stakeholders to examine the housing crisis across Europe and explore potential policy solutions at the EU level.
The conference, taking place in the European Parliament, will serve as a platform for MEPs, Commission representatives, and officials from other EU institutions to engage with national and regional authorities, as well as housing sector stakeholders. With housing affordability becoming an increasingly pressing issue across member states, the event seeks to foster dialogue and initiate a broader public debate that will shape future legislative recommendations.
The escalating housing crisis has become one of Europe’s most pressing socio-economic challenges. Rising property prices, stagnant wages, and a shortage of available housing have placed immense financial strain on millions of EU citizens. In many urban centres, essential workers are struggling to afford rent, while home ownership is becoming an unattainable dream for younger generations. The affordability crisis has been further exacerbated by inflation, supply chain disruptions, and shifting housing demands post-pandemic.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the European Parliament recently established the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis, granting it a 12-month mandate to propose solutions that ensure decent, sustainable, and affordable housing for all. The committee has been tasked with mapping housing needs, analysing existing policies across member states, and contributing to the implementation of the European Affordable Housing Plan.
Monday’s conference will be a significant milestone in this effort, bringing together policymakers and housing experts to assess best practices and identify strategies that could be implemented at the EU level.
The event will be opened by Irene Tinagli, Chair of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis, alongside European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen. Their introductory remarks will set the stage for a series of discussions on the current state of housing in Europe and the policies needed to address the crisis.
Throughout the afternoon, speakers will share insights on how various EU countries are tackling housing affordability. Representatives from national and regional authorities will outline measures being implemented at different governance levels, while stakeholders from the housing industry and civil society will provide perspectives on the effectiveness of existing policies and the barriers that still need to be overcome.
The conference will also consider the role of EU funding in addressing the crisis, including the potential expansion of investment into social housing projects and sustainable urban development. Discussions will explore how the European Affordable Housing Plan can be effectively rolled out and what policy levers are available at the EU level to support national housing strategies.
In addition to engaging policymakers and housing experts, the conference is expected to generate broader public debate on affordable housing, an issue that continues to shape political discourse across the continent. The findings of the event will contribute to a comprehensive parliamentary report on housing, set to be presented later this year, outlining concrete policy recommendations.
With housing affordability becoming a growing concern for millions, the EU faces mounting pressure to take decisive action. The Brussels conference marks an important step in addressing this crisis, bringing together policymakers and stakeholders to forge a path toward fairer and more accessible housing across Europe.
While housing remains primarily a national competence, there is increasing recognition that EU-level coordination and financial support are essential to tackling the issue effectively. As discussions unfold in the European Parliament, citizens across the EU will be looking for tangible commitments that could bring meaningful change to their housing prospects.
Main Image: Photographer: Philippe BUISSIN © European Union 2025 – Source : EP Usage terms: Identification of origin mandatory
