Source: European Parliament
To address the housing crisis and promote more affordable and sustainable housing in the EU, the Commission will launch the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan.
The plan will offer technical assistance to cities and Member States, focus on investment and skills needed and support the construction sector.
To promote investments in affordable and sustainable housing, the Commission will set up, together with the European Investment Bank, a pan-European investment platform.
The Commission will work closely with international financial institutions, national promotional banks and institutions and other stakeholders in this work.
The European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) can support Member States in implementing principle 19 of the European Pillar of Social Rights ‘Housing and assistance for homeless people’.
While ESF+ actions can include integrated support services for access to housing, including social housing, the ERDF focuses on the provision and improvement of physical housing infrastructure, including through energy efficiency measures.
Moreover, Cohesion policy offers possibilities to use ESF+ and ERDF for housing initiatives in an integrated manner, addressing both the infrastructure and services dimensions.
Young people often struggle to afford housing. ESF+ provides targeted support for the youth through programs combining housing assistance with employment or education opportunities, addressing multiple needs to foster independence.
The existing EU legislative framework, notably initiatives of the Fit for 55 package, sets policies and measures contributing to affordable and sustainable housing. Its implementation is key and will be a priority.