“The current housing crisis in most European countries must be addressed urgently as the lack of access to affordable housing affects an ever-increasing proportion of the population. Otherwise, this situation is likely to fuel stronger feelings of social injustice and discrimination and to further undermine trust in democratic systems” stated Congress Rapporteur on social housing innovations, James Moloney (Ireland, ILDG), speaking to the Parliamentary Conference “The Cost-of-Living Crisis: How can the European Social Charter uphold our social rights?” organised by the Parliamentary Assembly and the European Committee on Social Rights at the French National Assembly on 5 December 2025.
“Housing is a social right – a human right – and this must be recognised in public policies at all levels of governance,” he stressed.
Drawing on the Congress report on “Addressing the housing crisis in European cities through social housing innovations”, he warned that many young and people from low- and middle-income households, including specific professions like nurses, teachers or police officers, could no longer afford to live in the cities they serve. “This affects not only individuals, but the functioning of entire cities. Housing is a vital precondition for people’s full capacity to work, build families and stay healthy. It is the most pressing aspect of the cost-of-living crisis.”
Responding to the question “How do parliaments interact with different levels of governance?”, he urged all levels of government to work together more closely. “This needs political will and commitment both from local authorities to tackle the housing crisis through concrete and innovative measures, and from national governments and parliaments to provide the right framework and resources enabling local action”, he concluded.
Further reading:
Congress report on Addressing the housing crisis in European cities through social housing innovations
European Committee of Social Rights’ (ECSR) review on Social Rights and the Cost-of-Living Crisis
