The European Commission intends to take “concrete and effective” steps to improve housing conditions by playing a more active role in this area. However , it will respect the principles of subsidiarity and proportionality, which means supporting, rather than replacing, the functions of national governments and local authorities, which continue to bear primary responsibility in this area.
This was stated by the Vice-President of the European Commission Margaritis Schinas , speaking at a debate on affordable housing at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, noted that access to affordable housing, including social housing, not only supports social cohesion but also contributes to economic growth and competitiveness. According to him, facilitating access to such housing also helps to tackle homelessness, which is one of the most extreme forms of social exclusion.
The European Commission has “already done a lot to advance these goals” and plans to launch a new initiative in the future to address the structural problems of the housing crisis. The strategy will provide technical assistance to cities and EU member states, as well as focus on the necessary investments and reforms to increase housing production.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has announced that addressing housing problems will be a priority for the next political cycle. To this end, a European Affordable Housing Initiative will be created, which will aim to take a comprehensive approach to solving the housing crisis.
The Commission also plans to work with the European Investment Bank (EIB) to create a pan-European investment platform aimed at attracting both public and private investment in affordable and sustainable housing. In addition, it proposes to increase liquidity by doubling the volume of investment in housing construction as part of social cohesion policies.
In addition, combating energy poverty will be a priority, for which purpose measures to improve the energy efficiency of residential buildings of vulnerable households will be strengthened with the support of the Social Climate Fund.
