Source: European Parliament
The Commission is aware of the high costs of living in the outermost regions. A 2024 independent study on living conditions[1] puts the spotlight on substantial challenges in access to housing (as well as energy and water) in these regions.
In line with the 2022 strategy for the outermost regions[2], and highlighted in its 2024 implementation report[3], the Commission supports these regions through policies and funds that seek to improve living conditions and alleviate poverty. For example, the cohesion policy funds support these regions with nearly EUR 10 billion between 2021 and 2027.
Cohesion policy funds play a vital role in supporting access to affordable and adequate housing, as well as for access to basic services and infrastructure. In addition, the Recovery and Resilience Facility finances energy renovation of housing, to help reduce the energy bills of the most vulnerable households and increase their comfort. For instance, France’s recovery and resilience plan funds a programme for energy renovation of social housing, and initiatives to improve energy efficiency in private housing, including in its outermost regions.
The ‘Programme of Options Specific to Remoteness and Insularity’ (POSEI) contributes to food autonomy, accessibility, and economic diversification in these regions with over EUR 4.5 billion. The European agricultural fund for rural development further supports their agri-food sector and rural development with over EUR 1 billion.
Finally, the first-ever Commissioner for housing will deliver a European Affordable Housing Plan to address structural drivers and unlock public and private investment for affordable and sustainable housing. The Commission is establishing a Task Force on Housing to this end.
- [1] Study on living conditions and access to selected basic needs in the EU outermost regions, (ECORYS — February 2024): https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/studies/2024/study-on-living-conditions-and-access-to-selected-basic-needs-in-the-eu-outermost-regions_en
- [2] COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU’s outermost regions (COM/2022/198 final): https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX:52022DC0198
- [3] Report on the implementation of the communication: Putting people first, securing sustainable and inclusive growth, unlocking the potential of the EU’s outermost regions: https://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/information-sources/publications/reports/2024/report-on-the-implementation-of-the-communication-putting-people-first-securing-sustainable-and-inclusive-growth-unlocking-the-potential-of-the-eu-s-outermost-regions_en