The EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) welcomes the European Commission's recognition that housing markets are inherently local and that there can be no one-size-fits-all solution to Europe's housing crisis. However, the Group stresses that the priority must be to address the structural problem: insufficient housing supply.
The Commission's approach reflects several priorities already set out by the EPP-CoR in its Badalona Declaration, including respect for subsidiarity, stronger involvement of local and regional authorities, increasing housing supply, simplifying procedures, mobilising public and private investment and improving access to housing for young people and families.
“Housing is not merely a technical or regulatory concern. Housing is about homes. It is the foundation on which people build stable lives, families and their future. Europeans deserve a home that allows them to study, work, raise a family and care for their loved ones. The Commission is right to recognise that housing solutions must reflect local realities, but Europe will not regulate its way out of a housing shortage. We need to build and renovate more homes, simplify planning and permitting, and mobilise investment. Cities and regions must have the flexibility and resources to deliver,” said EPP-CoR President Sari Rautio.
The EPP-CoR is concerned that the proposed framework for defining areas under housing stress could create additional administrative burdens. Housing pressures differ significantly between cities, islands, rural communities, tourist destinations and depopulating regions. Local and regional authorities must be able to assess and respond to these pressures according to their territorial realities. Tackling short-term rentals and second homes through legislation does not address structural housing shortages in Europe, as housing issues do not stop in the downtowns of the most-travelled destinations.
The Group also shares concerns about the proposed framework covering measures affecting second homes and other non-primary residences. Such measures will not address Europe's structural housing shortage and must not lead to disproportionate restrictions on private property.
The EPP-CoR reiterates the Badalona Declaration's call to increase housing supply, remove administrative barriers, bring vacant properties back into use and unlock public and private investment, with particular attention to young people, families and first-time buyers.
The EPP-CoR also supports the EPP Group in the European Parliament's call to bring forward the Housing Simplification Package, currently foreseen for March 2027. This builds on the Badalona Declaration's call for simpler procedures and fewer administrative burdens. Action to simplify planning and permitting and remove barriers to construction and renovation should not wait.
Europe needs more homes, not more housing bureaucracy. EU action should empower cities and regions to build, renovate and deliver solutions adapted to their communities.