By Martin Banks

Strong and effective cooperation between Member States is needed to tackle Europe’s housing crisis, according to Ireland’s housing minister.

James Browne, Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage was speaking at a high level conference to debate the issue in Dublin.

His country is the current holder of the rotating EU presidency.

He said, “Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the EU is a significant opportunity to coordinate action within the EU on the housing challenges that we face to ensure that this momentum translates into practical support and tangible improvements in housing supply and affordability. 

“Strong and effective cooperation between Member States, the European institutions, organised civil society and regional and local authorities is essential to tackling Europe’s housing crisis and delivering for its citizens, “ said Browne.

The comments were partly echoed by Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing.

He said, “It is important and urgent to tackle Europe’s housing crisis. This crisis undermines dignity and fairness, it threatens our competitiveness, and the impacts are felt throughout our societies. Across Europe, our citizens are calling for action and support.

“For this, we want to work with all of you to bring forward new ideas and innovations, to build on local and national experiences and to foster a spirit of cooperation across society and borders, “ added Jørgensen,

At the conference on Thursday, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) also highlighted the need for coordinated solutions to Europe’s housing issues, which have become one of today’s most pressing social and economic challenges.

The Committee pointed out that the EU now needs effective measures and practical solutions. The end goal: increase the supply of affordable and sustainable housing, improve access to it and bolster a consistent European response that fully respects Member States’ powers.

The conference,an associated presidency event under Ireland’s 2026 Presidency of the Council of the European Union, brought together around 100 representatives from EU institutions, national, regional and local authorities, social partners, civil society organisations and academia.

Held at a time when housing has become one of Europe’s most pressing social and economic challenges, the event came ahead of the housing ministers meeting  scheduled to take place on 25-26 November.

The housing crisis is increasingly affecting people across Europe and becoming a major source of social concern. Recent protests in several European countries have underlined the urgency of addressing housing affordability and access, the event heard.

According to a study, since 2010 property sales prices in Europe have risen by 55% on average and rents by 27%. For many people, increases in income levels have not kept pace.

While the housing crisis is widespread, some population groups are at greater risk of facing housing affordability problems: younger people, households with dependent children and older people.

Unaffordable housing is likely to trigger four types of problems: housing exclusion, housing insecurity, financial strain caused by housing costs and housing inadequacy.

Further comment came from Séamus Boland, President of the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC),who said, “Affordable housing is one of the most pressing challenges facing Europeans today.

“Our discussions at this special conference in Dublin today underline that there is no single solution to this crisis. 

“The EU, Member States and civil society must work together to increase affordable housing, unlock investment and protect those most at risk. Housing is about more than a roof over our heads. It is about dignity, security and trust in our societies.” 

Ivailo Kalfin, Eurofound’s Executive Director,agreed, and said, “I am very pleased that Eurofound and the EESC are deepening their cooperation.

“This conference highlights the need for structural solutions to Europe’s housing crisis. It re-affirms Eurofound’s findings that the crisis disproportionately impacts young people and low-paid workers in ways headline statistics fail to capture, as well as the EESC’s commitment to placing civil dialogue front and centre while tackling territorial inequalities.”