The European Parliament and Commission co-hosted a high-level event on the EU housing crisis on 5 May 2026, with Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty Henna Virkkunen opening by stressing the need for a coordinated EU approach to affordability and sustainability. The event exposed a clear divide between centre-right and centre-left groups on the way forward.
EPP MEP Markus Ferber called for deregulation to boost construction, arguing that excessive red tape stifles supply. S&D MEP Gabriele Bischoff pushed back, demanding stronger tenant protections and social housing investment. Renew MEP Stéphanie Yon-Courtin highlighted the role of digitalisation in improving housing markets, while Greens-EFA MEP Kim van Sparrentak questioned the Commission's reliance on market mechanisms, urging binding renovation targets. The Left MEP Martin Schirdewan criticised the lack of ambition in the Commission's housing strategy, calling for a moratorium on evictions.
Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen announced a forthcoming legislative proposal on short-term rental data sharing, but faced criticism from PfE MEPs who argued housing policy should remain national. The event concluded with a call for a European Housing Action Plan, with next steps including a Commission communication expected in late 2026.
Tenants could benefit from stronger protections and social housing investment if S&D and Left proposals gain traction, but may face higher costs if deregulation boosts supply but reduces quality. Homeowners could see property values affected by market interventions. Construction firms would benefit from deregulation and digitalisation, but face compliance costs from binding renovation targets. Local authorities would gain data-sharing tools for short-term rentals but may lose autonomy if EU action encroaches on national competence.