20/10/25 (Agence Europe) – On Thursday 23 October, the heads of state or government of the countries of the European Union will call on the European Commission to “swiftly” present an “ambitious and comprehensive” plan to promote affordable housing, according to the draft conclusions of the European Council on Friday 17 October, which have not changed on this point compared to an earlier draft. This will be the first time that European leaders will discuss this “pressing” issue in its various dimensions. But, according to the text, these should not describe housing as a sector in crisis, referring instead to the “challenges” that citizens face in finding accommodation. The Commission’s draft work programme for 2026 does not mention the action plan, but simply an initiative on short-term rentals expected in the second quarter of 2026 (see EUROPE 13731/14). To see the European Council’s draft conclusions of 17 October: https://aeur.eu/f/j1e (MB)