At the World Urban Forum, the housing crisis in Europe has already become a social and economic threat.
Modern.az reports that Dan Jorgensen, European Commissioner for Housing, stated this in a video address at the panel session titled “Global Housing Crisis: What's the Plan?” within the 13th session of the World Urban Forum held in Baku.
According to him, a safe and healthy living environment is a fundamental right of every person. However, this right remains inaccessible to millions of people both in Europe and in many parts of the world.
“This is not just a housing crisis, it is a social crisis that weakens the unity of societies. At the same time, it is an economic crisis. It reduces competitiveness, limits labor mobility, and hinders education.”
The Commissioner also emphasized that the housing problem particularly affects young people and those who want to start a family:
“Many young people cannot leave home and start their own families. The most affected are workers in essential service sectors, young people, and vulnerable groups.”
He added that rising rental prices and limited access to social housing in the European Union increase the risk of homelessness.
“Currently, there are over one million homeless people in the European Union. More than 400,000 of them are children. This figure is unacceptable. Although member states, regions, and cities are primarily responsible for housing policy, the European Union is also forming support mechanisms in this direction,” the commissioner emphasized.
Dan Jorgensen stated that for the first time in the history of the European Union, the “European Housing Plan for All” has been developed.
According to him, the plan aims to ensure affordable, sustainable, and quality housing.
“Low income should not prevent people from accessing safe housing. Energy-efficient buildings are beneficial for both the environment and people's budgets,” he added.
The Commissioner emphasized that the plan envisages increasing housing construction and mobilizing investments. At the same time, groups most affected by the crisis, such as students and homeless people, remain in focus.
In his speech, he also announced the creation of a new European Housing Alliance to strengthen the exchange of experience between European countries, cities, and regions:
“The global housing challenge awaits an answer. Let's provide this answer together,” he noted.
