Europe’s housing crisis is deepening as rents rise and homelessness grows. As the EU unveils its Affordable Housing Act, can curbing short-term rentals, boosting social housing and energy renovation make a real difference — and why is Brussels staying away from rent controls?
Production: By Europod, in co-production with Sphera Network.
EUobserver is proud to have an editorial partnership with Europod to co-publish the podcast series “Briefed” hosted by Léa Marchal. The podcast is available on all major platforms.
Find the full transcript below:
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, rents increased by three percent compared with the same period last year across the European Union.
The EU is publishing its Affordable Housing Act today.
Europe's housing crisis has become an 'emergency', Commissioner warns
The Brief – Taking the fight to Airbnb | Euractiv
EU to crack down on short-term rentals in bid to slash housing prices
EU to give cities greater powers to restrict short-term rentals
Airbnb and other short term rentals targeted in EU housing plan | Euractiv
EU unveils plan to curb short-term rentals | Euractiv
EU to help cities tighten screws on Airbnb, holiday rentals
Casa, l’UE vara un quadro comune contro caro-affitti e scarsità di alloggi
Caro casa, l'Ue lancia la stretta sugli affitti brevi: così i Comuni potranno limitarli
Affitti brevi: scontro UE, proprietari e piattaforme turistiche
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