The increased use of digitalisation in the construction and housing sector and the engagement of social economy actors in housing provision create opportunities to tackle ongoing challenges related to housing affordability and sustainability in Europe. Since housing is a basic necessity and a human right, a unified response across Europe is essential. This was a key point made during a conference organised by the Civil Society Organisations’ Group of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) on November 21, where a new EESC study was presented.
Many Europeans face difficulties finding affordable housing. In the EU in 2023, housing costs made up more than 40% of disposable income for 10.6% of urban households and 7% of rural households, according to Eurostat figures. A Eurobarometer survey from July 2024 revealed that rising prices, the cost of living (42%), and the economic situation (41%) were the main factors motivating people to vote in the European elections.
In response, the Civil Society Organisations’ Group held a conference to explore how the EU and its Member States can improve housing conditions across Europe, making them more inclusive, affordable, and sustainable, in line with the European Pillar of Social Rights. The event was attended by representatives from civil society at both the national and European levels, as well as institutional stakeholders.
Séamus Boland, President of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group, opened the conference by emphasising that access to adequate housing is a fundamental human right that requires a coordinated pan-European approach. He also highlighted the connection between rising housing prices and increasing poverty levels.
“The provision of affordable and sustainable housing is central to poverty eradication”, he said, underlining that “the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and European Affordable Housing Plan proposed by the European Commission President-elect must be part of a cross-sectoral policy approach to end poverty”.
“This approach must involve civil society organisations in the entire process of designing, implementing and monitoring solutions. Sustainable housing must be examined from a broader perspective, encompassing resource efficiency and circularity, resilience and adaptation, and economic accessibility,” Boland added.
Residential housing accounts for 17% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, which highlights the connection between housing and sustainability. Furthermore, the housing cost overburden rate is significantly higher for individuals at risk of poverty and for low-income households.
“The housing problem is a major concern for all Europeans and prevents young people from starting an independent life. For the very first time, we will have a Commissioner for Energy and Housing, and the Parliament will create a special committee on housing. We will work on a European Affordable Housing Strategy. This EU legislature will be key to advance on proposals to solve the housing crisis,” stressed Marcos Ros Sempere, a Member of the European Parliament (S&D Group).
The event showcased a new EESC study titled “Affordable Sustainable Housing in the EU,” which the EESC commissioned at the request of the Civil Society Organisations’ Group.
Agnieszka Maj, co-author of the study and economist at the Center for Social and Economic Research (CASE), noted that “A New European Deal for Affordable Sustainable Housing is essential and should prioritise digitalisation, the social economy and innovative policies to ensure accessible housing for all”.
The recent EESC study examines policy solutions for affordable and sustainable housing in the EU, focusing on two key trends: digitalisation and the role of social economy actors in housing provision. It analyses innovative initiatives in six Member States—Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Austria, Poland, and Spain—and proposes medium- and long-term policy recommendations.
Participants at the conference highlighted the need for solutions for vulnerable groups, including individuals with disabilities and the Roma community. Suggested strategies include improved financing for affordable social housing, rent caps, and combating speculation.
The study also calls for prioritising accessibility in housing policies, a family-sensitive approach to align supply and demand, and local solutions for sustainable housing.
