The European housing crisis
Rising housing costs and increasing numbers of homelessness are a pressing challenge across the European Union. Between 2015 and 2023, housing prices in the EU surged by an average of 48.1% in the EU, with some countries – such as Hungary, Lithuania, Czechia, and Portugal – experiencing increases of over 100%¹. At the same time, nearly 1.3 million people, including 400.000 children, are homeless every night in Europe².
Accordingly, the topic has gained more attention at the EU level in recent years. The Lisbon Declaration, signed in 2021, set the ambitious goal to eradicate homelessness across the EU by 2030. It also established the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness (EPOCH), a crucial platform for mutual learning, strengthened monitoring, and creating better access to funding. For the first time, the European Union has a dedicated Commissioner for Housing and Energy. Furthermore, the European Parliament has created a Special Committee (HOUS) to further examine and address the Union’s housing crisis.
Read the full policy paper “Housing Exclusion: Current Developments and Recommendations for Policymakers”
The role of social service providers
Eurodiaconia’s members are at the forefront of supporting those affected. They run homeless shelters, implement innovative approaches such as Housing First, and enforce homelessness prevention measures for families and individuals. These frontline experiences highlight how rising housing costs disproportionately impact low-income and vulnerable groups.
At the same time, social service providers face significant challenges, such as receiving long-term funding for their crucial work and facing a high administrative burden. Therefore, Eurodiaconia advocates on the European level for stronger efforts to combat homelessness and housing exclusion, alongside sustainable solutions to rising housing costs, particularly for those most at risk.
Call for action for the European Union and Member States
Current policies – such as the announced Affordable Housing Plan – risk leaving behind vulnerable groups. This policy paper presents concrete recommendations for European and national policymakers and outlines a vision for effectively tackling homelessness. It emphasizes the need for better use of existing EU policies and instruments – such as the European Semester and the reviewed Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights – as well as innovative, effective approaches to enhance support for people experiencing homelessness and enforce crucial steps to prevent homelessness.
References
¹ European Parliament (2024): Rising housing costs in the EU: the facts (infographics). Online available: https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20241014STO24542/rising-housing-costs-in-the-eu-the-facts-infographics
² FEANTSA (2024): Ninth Overview of Housing Exclusion in Europe. Online available: https://www.feantsa.org/en/report/2024/09/19/report-9th-overview-of-housing-exclusion-in-europe-2024?bcParent=27
