Convening in Gijón and ahead of the Informal Ministerial Meeting on Housing and Urban Development hosted by the Spanish Presidency, ministers from the Party of European Socialists (PES) discussed housing priorities, including how to boost social housing and tackle homelessness. Increasing supply in social housing and more investment in renovation – this is the solution to the housing crisis that is emerging across Europe, socialist and democratic ministers said today.
Meeting Chair, Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building of Germany, Klara Geywitz, said:
“As social democrats, we are focused on boosting social housing. It is a vital part of our housing supply, guaranteeing a good living environment for those in need. Boosting availability is key for social justice and a priority for us.
“Public investment in housing across Europe has been declining over the past two decades.[1] Now, increasing costs for land, rents, construction and building materials are further frustrating the push for more social and affordable housing. Waiting lists for social housing are common across EU Member States.[2] It is now more important than ever for governments to invest and encourage innovative solutions across the sector.
“Insufficient housing in Europe is one factor driving the persistent problem of homelessness. We want to see more action to ensure housing is affordable and available for everyone.”
The participants of the meeting also highlighted positive action on housing already being taken at the EU level. To support innovation in social housing, European Commissioner Nicolas Schmit has already unveiled the Affordable Housing Initiative. Presented in 2021 as part of the Renovation Wave – a key policy of the progressive European Green Deal – the Initiative ensures local social and affordable housing projects can access technical and innovation capacity.
Ministers welcomed the European Social Fund Plus – also carried by Commissioner Nicolas Schmit and which helps deliver outreach programmes to the homeless – and progress on the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness, which is supported by the European Commission.
Across Europe, extreme pressure exists on social housing, and the availability and affordability of housing more generally. In 2021, about 36 million people in the EU spent 40% of their household disposable income on housing, known as the housing cost overburden rate. According to a 2023 study published by Eurofound, 60% of people overburdened by housing costs furthermore report having difficulties making ends meet.
Housing is a priority for the PES. Amongst others, the 2023 PES Congress Resolution, adopted in Málaga, calls on Europe to: commit to the right to housing as well as access to affordable and quality housing for all; introduce a European Plan for Affordable Housing that reforms state aid rules; introduce anti-speculation policies targeting the explosive growth of short-term apartment rentals; assist cities in implementing the approach of Housing First; and support the Renovation Wave.
The meeting was attended by:
- Klara Geywitz, Federal Minister for Housing, Urban Development and Building, Germany
- Raquel Sánchez Jiménez, Minister for Transport, Mobility and the Urban Agenda, Spain
- Marina Gonçalves, Minister for Housing, Portugal
- Roderick Galdes, Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation, Malta
[1] https://read.oecd-ilibrary.org/view/?ref=1060_1060075-0ejk3l4uil&title=ENG_OECD-affordable-housing-policies-brief.
[2] https://www.eurofound.europa.eu/sites/default/files/ef_publication/field_ef_document/ef22024en.pdf.
