
ZAGREB ** A panel discussion titled “Towards More Affordable Housing in the European Union and Croatia” held on Friday emphasized the need for coordinated policies and effective use of available resources to tackle the EU’s housing crisis. Participants expressed concern that while there are sufficient apartments, many remain unoccupied.
MEP Nikolina Brnjac (HDZ, EPP) highlighted that nearly ten percent of EU citizens allocate over 40 percent of their income to housing, rendering it unaffordable for many. “This presents a significant challenge, particularly for young individuals and low-income families,” she remarked during the event organized by the European Parliament Office in Croatia. She underscored the importance of revising legislation and tapping into unused European funds designated for affordable housing development.
Gordan Bosanac (Možemo, Greens/EFA) pointed out that numerous housing units across various member states are not utilized because real estate has shifted into a profit-driven model, rather than serving as a basic necessity. “We need to release these apartments through national taxation policies while simultaneously investing in public housing construction. Establishing city funds or a national housing fund is essential, and European financial support is critical for this effort,” he asserted, noting that significant repurposing is expected by 2027 as current funding is limited.
MEP Marko Vešligaj (SDP, S&D), who participated via video link from Brussels, called for at least 50 billion euros from the European budget to be allocated annually towards housing initiatives.
In response to rising housing insecurity across Europe, the European Parliament has formed a Special Committee on the Housing Crisis for the first time, which will analyze current policies, assess the effects of speculative practices, and propose strategies for enhancing affordable housing in the EU.
With an average age of 31.8 for young people leaving their parental homes, Croatia ranks highest in the EU for late independence—a further indication of the severity of the housing crisis. (April 25, 2025)













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