The European Commission invites citizens, public authorities and stakeholders to share views on how best to protect and promote housing affordability in the areas of Europe most severely affected by the housing crisis.
What do we want to hear about?
In preparation for the Affordable Housing Act, the Commission has published a call for evidence to inform the public and stakeholders about the Commission’s work, so they can provide views on the Commission’s understanding of the problem and possible solutions, and to give us any relevant information they may have.
Reply here before 3 April 2026.
In addition to this call for evidence, the Commission is inviting for expert feedback to this detailed questionnaire, exploring questions such how best to identify areas under housing stress, how to address the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability while preserving their benefits, and what other supply and demand measures are needed to increase housing affordability in areas under housing stress.
Reply here before 29 March 2026.
The Commission is also organising various workshops as a part of the consultation process.
- 17 March, open to member state representatives
- 23 March, open to representatives from regions, cities and major tourist destinations and their associations at EU and national level Register here.
- 30 March, open to all other stakeholders. Register here.
Why is this important?
Europe is facing an acute housing crisis, which is felt particularly sharply in certain areas. The biggest cities and most popular tourist destinations in the EU face the strongest pressure. A June 2025 Eurobarometer survey has shown that, by far, the most urgent concern for Europeans living in cities is the lack of affordable housing.
On 16 December 2025, the Commission presented a European Affordable Housing Plan (EAHP) to complement and support member states’ housing policies and initiatives including at regional and local levels, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity. Following extensive consultation and input, EAHP sets out ten key areas of action where the EU can add value and support efforts by other public authorities and stakeholders, including a new Affordable Housing Act (AHA). The initiative will aim at supporting public authorities in identifying areas of housing stress, based on publicly available data, and enable them, in full respect of subsidiarity, to take measures to protect and promote housing affordability in those areas, in particular through a legislative initiative on short-term rentals (STRs) which will be a central component of the AHA.
Who should respond?
- National, regional and local authorities in Member States
- Urban planners
- Owner and tenant organisations
- Short-term rental accommodation hosts and platforms
- Tourism and consumer associations
- Providers of public, cooperative, and social housing
- Professionals from the architectural, construction and renovation sector
- Civil society organisations
Your input will directly contribute to shaping EU policy on housing—be part of the conversation!
Learn more
Dedicated page for the Affordable Housing Act
