A step forward in Europe: The Parliament publishes its resolution on the housing crisis
The housing crisis in Europe has become a structural phenomenon affecting an increasing number of people and regions. These are not isolated cases, but a widespread problem manifested in steadily rising prices, a lack of affordable housing, and growing difficulties in accessing and maintaining adequate housing.
That is why recent developments in the European Parliament are so significant, with the adoption of the Resolution of 10 March 2026 on the housing crisis in the European Union with the aim of proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable housing (2025/2070(INI)), which marks a turning point in the Union’s social policy, recognising that housing is not merely a shelter, but the fundamental basis upon which families, individuals and communities can thrive and develop holistically.
The European Parliament’s explicit recognition of the housing crisis represents a significant step forward in the EU’s social agenda. Traditionally, housing policy has been primarily the responsibility of Member States, which has led to fragmented and inadequate responses to a clearly European phenomenon. The scale of the problem, which affects millions of people across the Union, demonstrates the need for a common and coordinated approach that complements national policies and enables the structural causes to be addressed.
According to Eurostat data cited in the Resolution, house prices have risen much faster than wages, forcing people to spend an ever-increasing proportion of their income on rent or mortgage repayments. This trend not only limits the financial independence and stability of large sections of the population, but also increases the risk of losing one’s home.
This pressure is overwhelming traditionally vulnerable groups and is also affecting young people, working families and people who previously enjoyed a stable life. At its most severe, this situation is fueling a rise in homelessness across Europe, an extreme violation of the right to housing that calls for firm and coordinated action. The housing crisis, therefore, is not merely a question of prices: it is a crisis of access to housing that threatens fundamental rights.
That is why, whilst we welcome the fact that Europe recognises the problem, we also believe that we need to go further. It is not enough simply to describe what is happening: we must change it. And to do that, we need a more ambitious approach, one that puts people and housing as a right at the centre.
This is the approach that we at HOGAR SÍ advocate in our Position Paper on Housing. For us, a home is not just a roof over one’s head. It is the foundation upon which everything else is built: health, employment, relationships. Without a home, everything becomes much more difficult.
With this in mind, we wanted to contribute to the European debate; following the publication of the initial draft report in October 2025, we shared our input with the Spanish MEPs working on key committees such as Housing (HOUS), Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL), Regional Development (REGI) and Petitions (PETI). We did so at a crucial moment, when the report was still under discussion and changes could still be incorporated.
Our aim was to help make the text more ambitious and better aligned with European commitments on social inclusion. Because for HOGAR SÍ, tackling the housing crisis is not just a question of affordability: it is a prerequisite for preventing and eradicating homelessness, one of the most serious violations of rights in Europe.
Among the issues we raised, one of the most important was the need to strengthen the European Platform to End Homelessness. This initiative already exists, but it needs greater political support to have a real impact. Ending homelessness is possible, but it requires commitment, multi-level coordination, and evidence-based policies. We also stress the importance of increasing the supply of affordable housing. It is not just a matter of building more homes, but to ensure that these homes are accessible to those who need them most.
The European Parliament’s report is an important step towards ensuring that the right to decent housing, recognised in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, moves from being a legal aspiration to a reality for all citizens. But the challenge now is to ensure that this recognition translates into concrete measures that bring about real change.
We are at a critical juncture. The decisions taken now could shape the future of millions of people and determine whether Europe moves towards a model that guarantees effective access to housing or continues with trends that push more people into situations of housing exclusion.
At HOGAR SÍ, we will continue to work to ensure that this progress translates into concrete policies that guarantee access to housing and put an end to homelessness, ensuring that no one is left behind on the path towards a fairer society.
Aitor de la Fuente Sánchez, Public Affairs Relations Officer at HOGAR SÍ.
Download and read the full report here:
European Parliament resolution of 10 March 2026 on the housing crisis in the European
Union with the aim of proposing solutions for decent, sustainable and affordable
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