Everyone deserves a place to call home

Europe is facing a housing crisis. More than 1 million people are homeless and 125 million people live in energy poverty, unable to afford heating their homes. Across cities and towns, rents and house prices are skyrocketing, while speculative investors and short-term rentals make things worse.

Housing is not a privilege — it is a human right. The Greens/EFA in the European Parliament are fighting for a Europe where affordable, sustainablegreen, and decent housing is guaranteed for everyone.

Why Europe Needs a Housing Plan

The EU has appointed a Housing Commissioner and the European Parliament has set up a special housing committee. These are important steps, but they are not enough. The EU must put people’s right to housing before profit.

Why is there a housing crisis in Europe?

Because speculation, short-term rentals, and underinvestment in public housing are driving up costs, leaving millions without affordable, sustainable, and decent secure homes.

Our Vision: Homes for People, Not for Profit

We need more social and affordable homes across Europe. EU and national investment should close the €57 billion yearly housing gap and ensure housing is sustainable, cutting both bills and emissions.

Too many families live in unsafe, damp, energy-wasting homes. Renovation support must focus on vulnerable households, end “renovictions” (evictions after renovations), and protect tenants from unfair rent hikes.

Homelessness can be solved. By applying the Housing First principle across the EU, we can end this extreme form of poverty and meet Europe’s goal of zero homelessness by 2030.

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Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com are driving housing shortages. Cities and regions must have the right to regulate or limit short-term rentals to protect local communities.

Homes should be for people, not investors. Tax breaks for second homes and buy-to-let speculation increase inequality. The EU must stop financialisation and ensure housing is available to those who need it most.

The European Housing Crisis Response Plan

To make housing a human right, we propose a coordinated EU strategy:

  • EU investment in affordable housing: Create a dedicated European Housing Fund, and stop public money flowing to institutional investors.
  • Renovation for lower bills: Prioritise vulnerable households, expand the Social Climate Fund, and protect renters during renovations.
  • End homelessness: Continue and expand the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness with real resources and ambition.
  • Tackle financialisation: Create transparency in property ownership, end tax breaks for speculative investors, and make housing affordability part of EU financial and tax rules.
  • Regulate short-term rentals: Enforce the EU Short-Term Rental Regulation quickly, and protect the right of cities to act against housing shortages.
  • Commissioner for Housing: Appoint a European Commissioner for the Right to Housing to coordinate a strong response across all EU policies.

The right to housing is recognised in international law and enshrined in the European Pillar of Social Rights. Yet millions in Europe are denied this basic right. For us, housing must come before markets and speculation.

Let’s Shape the Future of Housing Together

The housing crisis affects us all — but together we can change it.

We want to hear from you. Share your experiences, ideas, and demands for a Europe where affordable, sustainable housing is a reality for everyone.

 

Join the Greens/EFA in building a Europe where homes are for people, not for profit.

Want to know more?

Download our policy paper in several languages below:

Did you know:

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All over Europe people are standing up and are ready to take action.

Are you one of them? Join us now in saying homes are for people, not for profit.