Housing is not a Privilege: it’s an Inalienable Right!

A Growing Crisis: Housing Costs Are Out of Control

Housing has become one of the biggest political issues of our time. Across Europe, rents and house prices are skyrocketing, public housing is disappearing, and homelessness is on the rise. Millions of people—especially young people in cities—are unable to afford a decent place to live, while investors and corporate landlords turn housing into a speculative asset. The consequences are devastating: evictions, overcrowding, and communities being displaced from their own neighbourhoods.

Housing is Now a European Political Issue

This crisis is no longer just a national issue—it has become a key political debate across Europe. In Spain, massive mobilizations have taken place against evictions and rent hikes, proving that people are ready to fight back. In Germany, the housing crisis was a decisive issue in the elections, particularly for young voters who see secure housing slipping further out of reach. Across the EU, housing insecurity is shaping political debates, and for the first time, even the European institutions are being forced to respond.

The EU’s Response: Too Little, Too Late?

The European Parliament has set up a special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union (HOUS), and the European Commission has created a dedicated housing portfolio. These developments show how deep the problem runs—but also highlight the momentum we have, to demand real change.

However, the newly installed committee on housing in the European Parliament was recently informed by Commissioner Dan Jørgensen that a concrete EU-wide housing plan cannot be expected before 2026. This revelation is both shocking and revealing: while billions can be swiftly allocated for military expenditure, addressing the housing crisis—impacting millions across the EU—remains a secondary concern for the European Commission. This hypocrisy exposes the true priorities of European elites. Despite proclamations of commitment to tackling housing insecurity, the lack of urgency in delivering real solutions demonstrates a fundamental disregard for the struggles of ordinary people.

A recent European Parliament Research Service briefing confirms what we’ve long argued: the housing crisis is fueled by speculation, rising costs, and a lack of public investment. While housing remains under national jurisdiction, EU policies play a crucial role. Our political analysis aligns with these findings, reinforcing the urgent need for action at all levels.

A Movement for Change: Organizing from Below

We cannot wait any longer: housing has become a crisis that demands an immediate response. That’s why the European Left has launched a Campaign: HOUSING is not a privilege, it’s a right!  to fight for real solutions. And we know these changes won’t happen without pressure from below.

This campaign is not just about statements—it’s about action. To achieve real progress, we must unite member parties, progressive forces, and housing movements across Europe. From local rent strikes to national tenant protections, from municipal housing policies to European-level reforms, we must push at every level to put people before profit.

By the end of this year, this campaign aims to deliver more than awareness—it must drive concrete proposals at municipal, regional, national, and European levels. The European Left is committed to this fight, not just for the next few months, but for as long as it takes to make housing a right for all.

Why Housing Matters for Everyone

Housing insecurity doesn’t just affect those without a home; it impacts entire communities. When families are forced out due to rising costs, schools lose students, businesses lose workers, and neighbourhoods lose their character. Stable, affordable housing is the foundation of strong communities and thriving economies.

Governments have the power to change this. Countries that have invested in public housing, like Austria and Finland, have demonstrated that a commitment to housing as a public good can significantly reduce homelessness and improve quality of life. But many governments continue to prioritize corporate interests over people’s needs. We must change this by demanding policy reforms that ensure housing is treated as a fundamental right, not a privilege for the wealthy.

The Role of Grassroots Movements

History has shown that real change happens when people come together to demand it. Rent strikes, housing cooperatives, and grassroots campaigns have been essential in pressuring governments to implement fair housing policies. Local movements have successfully won rent caps, stopped illegal evictions, and forced city councils to invest in affordable housing. These efforts prove that collective action works.

We call on everyone—activists, policymakers, tenants, and concerned citizens—to join the fight for housing justice. Whether by joining protests, supporting tenant unions, or advocating policy change, every effort contributes to making housing a guaranteed right for all.