Habitat for Humanity’s Manifesto on Priorities of the European Union for 2024-2029

The housing crisis in the European Union has grown into a challenge that no one can afford to ignore. What was once a struggle for the most vulnerable is now an everyday concern for middle-income families. Over the past decade, house prices have surged by 47%, and rents have climbed by 18%, leaving millions in precarious living situations. These rising costs are just the tip of the iceberg. Behind the statistics are real people—families, seniors, and young adults—struggling to find secure, affordable, and decent homes. 

The consequences are severe: energy poverty, overcrowded living conditions, and deteriorating housing quality that threatens not just comfort but health and dignity. Over 9% of the EU population cannot keep their homes warm, while 15% deal with issues like leaking roofs or damp walls. Yet, amidst this crisis, Europe is home to over 30 million unoccupied homes—a glaring symbol of the systemic inefficiencies that perpetuate this problem. 

The time for action is now.

The housing crisis isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a social and moral one that affects the very fabric of our communities. President von der Leyen’s commitment to prioritizing housing in her 2024-2029 political guidelines is a hopeful step forward. However, governments cannot tackle this alone. Civil society organizations, like Habitat for Humanity, play a crucial role in ensuring that housing solutions reach the people who need them most. 

A Vision for Affordable Housing and Inclusive Communities

Habitat for Humanity’s Manifesto provides a clear and actionable roadmap to address the EU housing crisis. It’s not just about building more homes; it’s about creating affordable, inclusive, and sustainable communities. Key priorities include: 

- Affordable Rental Options: Mobilizing private flats through innovative models like Social Rental Agencies to expand affordable housing access. 

- Revitalizing Vacant Properties: Transforming Europe’s millions of empty buildings into homes for those in need. (Read more on our Empty Spaces to Homes Project here)

- Tackling Energy Poverty: Renovating the EU’s worst-performing buildings to make homes warmer and more energy-efficient. (Read more on our Energy efficiency projects here)

- Inclusive Housing Policies: Ensuring vulnerable groups, including refugees and Roma communities, are integrated into housing solutions. 

Why Read the Manifesto?

The solutions presented in the Manifesto are practical, inclusive, and designed to create long-term change. Whether you are a policymaker, advocate, or concerned citizen, the Manifesto offers insights into how we can tackle the housing crisis together. It highlights innovative policies, calls for better governance, and advocates for the strategic use of resources to ensure no one is left behind. 

Join the Movement

The Manifesto isn’t just a document; it’s a call to action. By reading it, you’ll understand the full scale of the housing crisis and the strategies needed to resolve it.