Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms are set to face tighter restrictions after the European Commission proposed new rules Wednesday to help authorities address housing shortages in tourism-heavy areas.
The move by the EU executive aims to harmonize rules across Europe after authorities in cities including Paris, Barcelona and Venice turned to a raft of diverse rules to crack down on Airbnb, which subsequently triggered legal challenges.
The shortage of affordable housing due to the surge in short-term holiday rentals has prompted residents, especially young Europeans, to take to the streets to protest.
"A year ago, I promised to tackle Europe's housing affordability," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement.
"Today, we are taking one step in this direction. By providing more clarity and support to local authorities and communities, anchored in local realities," she said.
