A tough stance on employment and more construction: the European Parliament's recipe for the housing crisis

BrusselsThe European Union avoids taking too many measures on housing and always argues that it falls under the jurisdiction of state and regional governments. However, it is one of the main concerns of Europeans And European institutions continue to debate the best way to end this crisis, which is particularly affecting Catalonia. This Tuesday, it was the European Parliament's turn. The European Parliament approved by a clear majority – 367 votes in favor, 166 against, and 84 abstentions – a report recommending a package of measures to address the housing crisis. Among the most notable recommendations, the text advocates for stricter measures against illegal occupation to protect homeowners and their rights, especially to prevent a disproportionate increase in rents. The European Parliament also encourages member states, which are under no obligation to follow these recommendations, to promote the construction of new homes or the renovation of older ones. One of the proposed methods is to offer tax incentives to companies and individuals who invest in housing. It also calls on the European Commission to increase European funds for building more public and social housing.

On the other hand, the European Parliament acknowledges that the "recent proliferation of short-term rentals," such as those found on platforms like Airbnb, poses a challenge for larger or tourist cities and calls on member states to guarantee "a balance between developing tourism and ensuring access to affordable housing." However, the report urges the EU not to adopt any mandatory measures at the bloc's level so as not to impose anything on state, regional, and local governments. "They must have the flexibility to design and implement measures adapted to their specific territorial realities and housing markets," they argue.

The European Parliament also calls for streamlining procedures and reducing bureaucracy for any type of renovation or new construction. "Simpler and more digitalized permitting procedures are needed, and the maximum time for granting permits should be 60 days," the text states. Furthermore, the European Parliament advocates for boosting worker mobility across the EU, given the labor shortage in some member states' construction sector, and for promoting the recruitment of skilled workers from non-EU countries.

The report received votes in favor from the European People's Party (EPP), the Party of European Socialists (PES), and the Renew Europe liberals, forming what is known as the large majority in the European Parliament. In contrast, most of the Greens/EFA group and the Left/Republican Left (ERC), which includes the Comuns and ERC parties, voted against it. The far right, including Vox, largely abstained.