For socialists, housing is not a luxury or a financial asset. It is a fundamental right and one of the foundations of a fair society. Across Europe, rising rents, housing shortages and the spread of short-term rentals are putting increasing pressure on people and communities.
The European Commission has proposed new legislation that it says is aimed at helping local authorities across the EU to tackle housing crises.
The EU’s first-ever regulation on housing is therefore an important step forward. We welcome the Commission’s recognition that housing is primarily a place to live, not an investment vehicle, and its commitment to supporting cities and regions in tackling the housing crisis.
As Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, underlined: "We also grateful for the leading role that cities have played throughout the whole drafting process, for instance proposing the adoption of areas under housing stress as the cornerstone of the Regulation. We appreciate the recognition that the proliferation of short-term rental services in cities exacerbates the lack of affordable housing for residents and the possibility for us to adopt measures on the issue, as well as in acquisitions of second residences or other non-residential uses. We look forward to engaging with the European Parliament and the Council of the EU to improve some aspects of the text, in particular with regards to primary residences."
Progressive cities have been at the forefront of this debate, and their experience must continue to shape the EU’s response. We particularly welcome the recognition that the proliferation of short-term rental services can exacerbate the lack of affordable housing for residents, as well as the possibility for cities to take action on second residences and other non-residential uses.
But let’s be clear: the criteria for defining “areas under housing stress” must not be too rigid. Cities and regions face very different housing realities, and they need sufficient room to respond to the pressures their residents are experiencing.
The fight for affordable housing is a socialist fight for social justice. We will continue working with the European Parliament and the Council to strengthen the regulation and make sure that Europe’s housing policy delivers what people need most: homes that are affordable, accessible and made for living.
Image credit © European Union