The draft report by Spaniard Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP), on behalf of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on Housing (see EUROPE 13712/9), received a mixed reception on Thursday 25 September, with the S&D group being particularly virulent and accusing the rapporteur of advocating a uniquely “Spanish” vision.
Believing that the problem of access to affordable housing is essentially one of supply, he advocates reducing regulatory constraints by removing obstacles and red tape, and easing bottlenecks, particularly in local legislation.
His report sets out a five-point action plan: - having confidence in local and regional authorities, because “they are best placed to manage housing”; - stimulating supply, “which means building and renovating more”; - financing by attracting private investment, as public sector investment is not sufficient; - “support demand, particularly from young people, families and the most vulnerable, who must benefit from targeted support”; - “committing to evidence-based policies”.
The issue of housing is essentially a matter for subsidiarity, but the EU can help to remove obstacles and encourage investment, the MEP pointed out.
“The situation is urgent. In eight years, house prices have risen by 48%. Rents have risen by 18%. The public are aware of this and are suffering as a result. That’s why housing has become one of their main concerns. We have to act”, added the Spaniard.
For the S&D group, however, this report is far from enabling significant action. “The Committee has spent months consulting experts and stakeholders in interesting hearings, and missions to EU Member States. Members received a lot of valuable input and ideas - yet these are unfortunately not reflected in the draft”, commented MEPs Gabriele Bischoff (German) and Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (Irish), shadow rapporteur. “This draft is unacceptable”. It is “pure Spanish EPP ideology and offers no concrete solutions”, they added. “We want to strengthen tenants’ rights, protect the housing rights of the most vulnerable, and eradicate homelessness. We want a solid report that will make a real difference for our citizens”.
The group is particularly critical of the emphasis placed on the right to property rather than the right to a roof over one’s head, a criticism shared by The Left group. Speculation, financialisation, homelessness, short-term rentals, dereliction and public funding for affordable housing are also not mentioned, or only superficially, adds the group. “Rent controls are only mentioned to denounce them. Tenants’ rights are barely addressed, apart from the flexibility in landlord-tenant relations”.
The Greens/EFA and The Left groups were less critical, believing that the report contains some interesting elements, even if it will have to be improved over the coming months. But the problem of access to housing is not just one of supply. It is also caused, among other things, by financialisation, poor energy conditions in housing, energy prices and taxation, said Finn Maria Ohisalo (Greens/EFA).
The Renew Europe group gave the report a fairly positive welcome. On Thursday, it pointed out the limits of European action in what is essentially a national area, and urged that access to housing for the middle classes be kept in mind. But the revision of the European rules on State aid is a factor that could help work on more affordable housing, said Brigitte van den Berg from the Netherlands.
The Committee is due to vote on the report in February, with a view to presenting it to the plenary session in March. (Original version in French by Solenn Paulic)