Good afternoon,

Thank you for inviting me to your first meeting. Establishing a Special Committee and dedicating a portfolio for housing underscores our commitment to addressing this challenge.

The housing sector has many issues affecting numerous people. I look forward to our collaboration.

Let me briefly outline the Commissions approach: why we are taking on this task, what we can do at a European level, and how and when we will do it.

Why: over the last 15 years, rents have risen by about a quarter and house prices by half.

In 2023, approximately 10% of the EU population spent 40% or more of their disposable income on housing costs.

And perhaps most sadly, nearly 900,000 people are currently homeless in Europe. These figures are unacceptable.

When essential workers cannot afford to live in the cities they serve, it is unacceptable. It has severe social consequences and directly impacts the European economy.

That is why we are taking on this task. But what can we do in the Parliament and the Commission?

While housing is primarily the responsibility of Member States, there is clearly room for Europe at the table. We are already supporting housing at the EU level with significant investments.

We plan to double cohesion policy investments in affordable housing and mobilize public and private investments.

We also need to address regulations on short-term rentals and consider legislative changes to facilitate investments in affordable housing.

In 2025, we focus on collaboration and consultation with all stakeholders. We begin with a joint consultation on 24 March.

The Affordable Housing Plan must be shaped with all European regions and communities. Your input is crucial, especially for a youth dialogue on housing.

The Commission cannot solve the crisis alone, but together we can achieve much for affordable and sustainable housing in Europe. Lets get to work.

Thank you!