On Monday 15 September, the Special Committee on Housing (HOUS) published its own-initiative report on “the housing crisis in the European Union, with the aim of proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing”.
The report, drafted by rapporteur Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, Spanish), insists on a vertical approach to European aid. The EU, she believes, “should initiate simplification by reducing regulatory burdens, eliminating obstacles and red tape and alleviating bottlenecks”, particularly in local legislation.
The latter are cited as having a “key role in identifying housing needs and designing targeted measures for the local population”. The time required to obtain a building permit was also singled out, with the MEP recommending the adoption of “the principle of positive administrative silence” for the issue of permits.
The text also calls for aid for housing innovation, greater cohesion at European level, the mobilisation of private investment in addition to public aid, and the introduction of tailor-made programmes for households on the lowest incomes and “strategic” jobs (health and security staff, teachers, etc.).
According to the report, the current housing crisis in Europe “calls for a multi-level governance approach based on tailor-made housing policies”, recognising that the ‘one size fits all’ principle has no place in the current context.
During her State of the Union address (see EUROPE 13706/9), the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, announced a first ‘European Housing Summit’ and a legislative initiative on short-term rentals.
She also confirmed the presentation of a ‘European Plan for Affordable Housing’ and the revision of European rules “on State aid to allow measures to support housing”.
MEPs have until 20 October to propose amendments to the text.
See the report: https://aeur.eu/f/ihr (Original version in French by Isalia Stieffatre)