The European Parliament establishes a special committee on Housing Crisis

On 18 December, the plenary session of the European Parliament approved by a large majority the creation of a special committee to address the growing housing crisis across the European Union. This decision reflects the urgent need to tackle challenges related to access to decent, sustainable, and affordable housing – a priority that the flat glass sector can play a helping hand with.

The newly formed special committee was approved with 480 votes for, 148 against and 20 abstentions. It will operate for 12 months, focusing on identifying practical solutions to improve housing conditions across the EU. The Parliament’s work will run in parallel with the European Commission’s preparation of an Affordable Housing Plan.

The special committee will focus on a range of actions aimed at addressing housing challenges. Among others, it intends to:

• assess policies and legislative proposals needed to improve the provision and availability of decent, sustainable and affordable housing, including by enabling new construction, housing reconversion and renovation programs;
• to map innovative technologies, processes, services and products to support the renovation wave, taking into account existing Union initiatives;
• to map where administrative and regulatory burdens are hampering the renovation wave, with the aim of reducing unnecessary regulatory burden while ensuring quality work in the construction sector and quality standards for affordable housing.

Housing is a Member State competence, but energy efficiency legislation, fiscal policies and state aid frameworks all influence housing strategies and initiatives. Glass for Europe is therefore ready to contribute to the work of the Special Committee by participating in hearings and providing written contributions. The role of key materials such as high-performance glass needs to be considered in the work on housing. Glazing solutions help to reduce the running costs of buildings by reducing the need for heating and cooling, but they also have a direct impact on the health and well-being of occupants.