AiBotEuropean Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has sounded the alarm on the worsening housing crisis affecting multiple Member States across the European Union. Speaking at a press conference at the European Commission’s headquarters in Brussels, von der Leyen emphasized the need for coordinated action to address this pressing issue.
According to von der Leyen, the root causes of the housing shortage are multifaceted, including supply chain disruptions, rising construction costs, and inadequate government-backed housing schemes. Furthermore, she highlighted the growing number of homeless individuals, citing an estimated rise of 12% in homelessness across the EU since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
To tackle this crisis, von der Leyen announced plans to launch a European Housing Alliance aimed at promoting cooperation between Member States on the development and implementation of effective housing policies. Additionally, she announced that the Commission will convene a high-level European Housing Summit, which will bring together key stakeholders from EU institutions, Member State governments, social housing providers, and various industry actors.
The European Housing Alliance is expected to facilitate the sharing of best practices, expertise, and resources among Member States, facilitating the development of comprehensive housing strategies. Moreover, von der Leyen emphasized the importance of investing in affordable housing programs and initiatives that promote social cohesion and inclusion.
In a statement, von der Leyen emphasized the EU’s commitment to addressing the housing shortage: “We will continue to work closely with our Member States, the European Parliament, and other stakeholders to tackle this pressing issue. We are committed to making a difference in the lives of Europeans and to creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and affordable housing market for all citizens.”
The European Housing Summit, which is expected to take place later this year, will be a major step forward in mobilizing European-wide efforts to address the housing crisis. It will provide a forum for discussion on key issues and priorities, including affordable housing, homelessness, and sustainable housing development.
In conclusion, the European Commission’s initiative to launch the European Housing Alliance and convene the European Housing Summit is a significant step forward in tackling the housing crisis in Europe. By fostering a collaborative approach to housing policy and promoting the sharing of best practices and expertise, von der Leyen’s efforts aim to address the root causes of the housing shortage and promote affordable, inclusive, and sustainable housing solutions for all EU citizens.