Addressing the housing crisis in Europe

The EU Parliament has voted on and adopted measures to promote adequate, sustainable and affordable housing in the European Union. The background to the debate is the tense situation on many housing markets in Europe, which is characterized, among other things, by a limited supply of housing and significantly increased rental and property prices. In recent years, prices for residential property in the EU have risen sharply, while rents have also increased significantly. The draft report highlights that the housing crisis is primarily caused by an imbalance between high demand and insufficient supply of housing. It is therefore proposed to provide greater support for new construction and renovation of living space and to make investments easier. In addition to public funds, private investments should also play an important role. At the same time, it is suggested that bureaucratic hurdles in the construction sector be reduced, approval procedures be accelerated and the framework conditions for construction companies improved. The report also deals with measures to support certain population groups, such as young people, families or employees in systemically important professions, who can hardly afford housing in many regions. The modernization of the existing housing stock, improving the quality of living and combating the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry are also discussed. The increase in short-term rentals is being problematized and calls are being made for legal tightening in order to achieve a balance between tourism and access to affordable housing. Member States are also urged to strengthen tenants' rights and prevent disproportionate rent increases. In principle, the MPs emphasize that housing policy remains primarily the responsibility of the member states. However, the European Union could provide support, for example by mobilizing investments, reducing legal obstacles and improving the data basis for evidence-based housing policy. Attention: The voting results shown on the right only reflect the voting behavior of the 96 German MEPs and not that of all 720 MEPs. The report was adopted overall with 367 votes in favour, 166 against and 84 abstentions. Of the German MEPs, 44 voted for and 28 against. There were eleven abstentions.

Vote breakdown