تغييرات في "PROPOSAL 4 — Support those most affected"

The Plan emphasises that the housing crisis does not affect everyone equally. Young people, students, apprentices, essential workers, low-income households, homeless people, tenants, people facing discrimination, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups are particularly exposed to rising costs and limited access to affordable homes. The Plan calls for stronger support for these groups, including affordable housing for young people and essential workers, action against homelessness, tenant protection, accessible housing, and measures to reduce energy poverty caused by poor housing quality.

Reference text, excerpt from the European Affordable Housing Plan:

The housing crisis does not affect all people equally. Some groups are disproportionately impacted by rising housing costs and limited access to affordable homes. Lack of affordable housing prevents young people, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, from taking up education, traineeship, apprenticeships and employment opportunities, with far-reaching economic and social consequences26. It delays family formation. Students and apprentices are particularly exposed to high housing costs, which may discourage them from pursuing studies, participating in mobility programmes such as Erasmus+, or completing their education.

Ensuring access to affordable housing for essential workers – such as healthcare staff and care professionals, teachers or emergency services personnel among others – is vital for maintaining resilient and inclusive communities. These workers often encounter housing shortages or high costs, particularly in urban areas where their services are most needed. The revision of State aid rules for affordable housing presented by the Commission will help Member States facilitate support to affordable housing for low- and middle-income households, including essential workers.

In 2021, all Member States committed to a shared goal of working towards ending homelessness in Europe by 2030. Despite the efforts made to date, homelessness is on the rise with more than one million people, including 400,000 children, homeless in the EU, as well as about 80,000 sleeping rough. We must take immediate action to change course.

Low-income groups are particularly impacted by the housing crisis. Groups in situation of disadvantage also include older people with low pensions, single parents and families with children at risk of poverty, LGBTIQ+ people, victims of gender-based violence, Roma and other marginalised minorities, migrants, and other groups at risk of exclusion or discrimination – who face specific challenges in accessing housing. In addition, persons with disabilities confront limited availability of accessible housing, which increases the risk of institutionalisation.

Tenants encounter increasing risks of housing insecurity due to rising rents and, in some Member States, insufficient legal or social assistance where needed. Poor housing quality and energy performance make it difficult to maintain adequate indoor temperatures and air quality and contribute to energy poverty. Some 42 million Europeans cannot afford to heat their homes properly.

Open question for comments: Which groups should be prioritised, and what kind of support would be most effective?