The European Commission is asking for feedback on revising State aid rules for services of general economic interest (SGEI) to improve housing affordability. Significant investments are required to bridge the gap in affordable housing. State aid measures can contribute to the necessary investments.

Any citizen, business, public authority or association can participate by responding to the call for evidence and/or the public consultation published today. Participation is open until 31 July 2025. The call and consultation are available in all 24 official EU languages via the ‘Have your Say portal.

Revision of State aid rules

Under current rules, Member States can support housing access in various ways. Notably, the SGEI rules allow Member States to implement social housing measures for the most disadvantaged without compensation limits.

However, as recognized in the Political Guidelines, the current rules are not adapted to allow Member States to effectively address challenges beyond social housing related to housing affordability.

The targeted revision of the SGEI rules aims to meet this need and stimulate further investments in affordable housing. The revision also aims to simplify, update, and clarify certain rule concepts.

Public consultation and call for evidence

The public consultation and call for evidence aim to gather insights and feedback from national, regional, and local authorities, stakeholders, and the public. This will help the Commission assess, in a transparent and inclusive manner, how SGEI rules need amending to facilitate affordable housing investments.

The Commission will analyze the responses and publish a summary of key points and conclusions.

The results from consultations and broader stakeholder engagement will contribute to the ongoing review of SGEI rules. Generally, the Commission will continue engaging with citizens and businesses before finalizing the review process.

Background

The issue of affordable housing access is not limited to low-income groups. It now affects a broader section of society due to factors like rising urban demand, increasing housing costs, housing supply shortages, aging building stock, regional economic disparities, and tourism and short-term rentals.

In response to the acute housing crisis, the Commission appointed Dan Jørgensen as Commissioner for Housing and set up a Task Force on Affordable Housing to coordinate housing-related workstreams. The Commission will propose a European Affordable Housing Plan in 2026 to complement the policies and initiatives of Member States, regional, and local governments, respecting subsidiarity in the housing sector and considering the interests of various stakeholders.

Among key initiatives, the Commission will revise its State aid rules, fulfilling its promise to make financing energy efficiency and affordable housing easier.

For more information

More information is available on the Commissions dedicated website on affordable housing.