The role of cohesion policy investment in resolving the current housing crisis
This resolution calls for increased investment through the EU's cohesion policy to address the growing housing crisis across Europe, aiming to ensure access to affordable, adequate, and sustainable housing for all citizens. The crisis affects a wide range of people, including low- and middle-income households, young people, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those in rural or remote areas, exacerbating social exclusion and hindering economic participation. Key changes proposed include potentially doubling funds for affordable housing, simplifying access to EU funding for local authorities, and better aligning housing policies with cohesion goals to tackle regional disparities and demographic challenges. The resolution also emphasizes the need for public-private partnerships, innovative financial tools, and a review of regulations to encourage investment in social and affordable housing, while ensuring long-term affordability and preventing speculation.
Analysis
The EU is experiencing a severe housing crisis that is both a social and economic challenge, worsening inequalities and hindering fundamental rights.
What changes
- Urges managing authorities to consider doubling funds earmarked for affordable housing during the mid-term review of 2021-2027 CP programmes.
- Suggests including new flexible, specific objectives on public, not-for-profit, social, affordable, cooperative, and sustainable housing in the revision of ESF+ and ERDF-CF regulations.
- Calls for ending homelessness and combating inadequate housing to be explicit political objectives in the post-2027 Cohesion Policy, with dedicated funding.
Expected impact
- The housing crisis deepens social exclusion by making access to affordable, adequate, safe, accessible, and energy-efficient housing difficult, especially for vulnerable groups.
- Rising housing costs exceed 40% of disposable income for a significant percentage of households in cities, contributing to the cost of living crisis.
- Legal uncertainties and red tape concerning EU State aid rules are identified as a major obstacle to investing European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) money in affordable housing.
Limitations
- The document is a resolution and does not contain specific legislative text that would allow for detailed analysis of direct legal changes.
- Specific financial figures for proposed future investments beyond the current 2021-2027 period are not detailed.
- The document refers to various external reports and regulations but does not provide their full content for in-depth analysis.
Shadow Rapporteurs
Some data sources haven't been updated in over 48 hours.