Atige Aliyeva-Veli: All Europeans must have the right to access decent housing

Atige Aliyeva-Veli: All Europeans must have the right to access decent housing at affordable prices

All working European citizens have the right to access decent housing at affordable prices. This was voted by the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs in the EP, announced its member - Atidje Aliyeva-Veli, MEP from DPS/ "Renew Europe".

„The Report on the subject states that a problem exists in some countries and in certain regions, but I believe that it does not affect the entire Union. Moreover, there are also large differences in the percentage of people who own their own home and those who live in rent. Housing prices and availability also vary. According to the data we have, 80 million Europeans are experiencing serious difficulties, having to spend more than 40% of their income on housing, and 4% of citizens are homeless. A large part of people are experiencing or will experience difficulties in paying off their homes because of Covid-19", said the Bulgarian MEP.

Atige Aliyeva-Veli clarified that the provision of housing falls within the competence of the member states and the EU has no direct control over this policy. However, the Union can, through its programs and financial instruments, assist the Member States.

When asked whether additional funds will be allocated from the EU budget for the implementation of these issues and who will exercise control, the MEP stated:

„At the moment, we cannot talk about new, additional funds, but it is important to note that there is already funding under various programs. A national policy should be drawn up in this direction and funds should be provided at the national level as well.“

The EP recalls that EU policies, funding programs and financial instruments have a great impact on housing markets, the quality of the housing stock and on the lives of citizens. The EP calls on the Commission to urgently develop an integrated strategy for social, public, non-segregated and affordable housing at EU level, creating an enabling framework for national, regional and local authorities to ensure access to safe, healthy and affordable quality housing, as well as improving actions to engage all levels of government in comprehensive and consistent implementation of the right to decent housing.