A common European framework designed to help national, regional and local authorities respond more effectively to pressure on housing markets lies at the heart of the European Commission’s proposed Affordable Housing Act.
Members of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union (HOUS) questioned Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen about the EU’s plans to tackle housing shortages and rapidly increasing accommodation costs.
Jørgensen explained that the proposed legislation would provide competent authorities with a clearer legal framework, enabling them to introduce measures suited to the particular needs of their local housing markets.
The proposal is especially relevant to areas where demand significantly exceeds supply, including major cities, islands and popular tourist destinations. European Commission – Affordable Housing Act proposal
Short-term rentals under scrutiny
Several MEPs described the proposed provisions concerning short-term rentals as a positive first step towards protecting housing availability for permanent residents. Others warned that overly restrictive measures could interfere with property owners’ rights.
HOUS Committee Chair Irene Tinagli, an Italian MEP from the Socialists and Democrats Group, noted that “in certain European cities, the growing spread of short-term and tourist rentals is contributing to additional pressure on local housing markets.” European Parliament – Irene Tinagli
The proposal does not automatically introduce bans or specific restrictions on short-term rentals. Instead, it establishes the conditions under which competent authorities may adopt evidence-based and proportionate measures in areas facing demonstrated housing pressure.
The proposed regulation will now be examined by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU under the ordinary legislative procedure before its final adoption.
