Commissioner Dan Jørgensen, in a written answer on 22 June 2026, outlined the European Commission's approach to student housing affordability, emphasising support for national authorities and EU-funded initiatives. The response, to a question by Greek MEP Lefteris Nikolaou-Alavanos (NI), rejected the claim that EU policies promote commercialisation through public-private partnerships (PPPs), instead highlighting the European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) and a forthcoming Erasmus+ pilot scheme for mobile students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The answer, dated 22 June 2026, responds to Nikolaou-Alavanos's question of 4 May 2026, which criticised PPPs for abolishing free student housing and benefiting construction groups at the expense of working-class families. Jørgensen noted that the Commission is aware of the challenges and works with national, regional, and local authorities, respecting subsidiarity. He pointed to the EAHP, which specifically aims to improve access to housing for young people, students, apprentices, and trainees by mobilising investments and helping them find housing on the private rental market.
Jørgensen announced a pilot scheme under the Erasmus+ programme to increase availability of affordable and innovative housing solutions for mobile students from disadvantaged backgrounds. He also said the Commission will work with Member States to encourage use of the European Social Fund+ for affordable housing solutions for disadvantaged students, and that the European Housing Alliance will help relevant stakeholders improve student housing. The Commissioner stressed that support for projects, including those involving PPPs, must comply with EU funding rules, and that student housing will remain central in shaping EU recommendations and funding programmes.
the Erasmus+ pilot scheme and the EAHP, which was published earlier in 2025. However, it lacks specific numerical targets or deadlines for these initiatives. The policy orientation is towards facilitating investment and cooperation rather than mandating free housing, reflecting the EU's limited competence in housing policy. Expected institutional follow-up includes further work on the EAHP and the Erasmus+ pilot, with student housing likely to feature in upcoming EU recommendations and funding cycles.
Students from disadvantaged backgrounds may benefit from the Erasmus+ pilot and ESF+ support, but the answer does not address demands for free housing, leaving affordability concerns unresolved. National authorities retain primary responsibility, which may limit the EU's direct impact. Construction and real estate companies could continue to participate in PPP-funded projects, as the Commission does not oppose such models. The European Commission positions itself as a facilitator, avoiding direct intervention in national housing policies.