Europe needs homes, not hurdles: EPP plan to cut red tape for housing

The EPP Group wants the housing initiatives, which the European Commission announced today, to be, first of all, “Housing Simplification Initiatives” to streamline permitting, cut red tape, and build more houses and apartments. The EPP Group demands housing permits to be granted within 60 days, treated with the same urgency as defence projects, and all administrative procedures to be fully digitalised. 

It also proposes lower VAT on new housing and renovations, tax incentives for landlords renting to young people and families, and a stronger role for Cohesion Policy funds and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to drive affordable housing and renovation investment. To protect property rights and restore confidence, the EPP Group further calls for faster eviction procedures against illegal occupiers.

 “We can’t demand more housing while blocking those who build it. The European Commission must deliver a Housing Regulatory Simplification Package; removing barriers, cutting red tape, and ensuring stability for those who invest and create jobs in the housing sector”, said Borja Giménez Larraz MEP, who drafts Parliament’s report on Housing in the Special committee on Housing.

“We need concrete, practical solutions rather than ideological promises. Cohesion policy funds and the EIB must play a stronger role in boosting investment in affordable housing and renovation. Our priority is clear: more homes for Europeans, delivered faster and without unnecessary over-regulation," stressed Nikolina Brnjac MEP, the EPP Group’s spokeswoman in Parliament’s Committee on Housing.

Dirk Gotink MEP, Vice-Chair in the Housing committee, added: “Housing is a national matter, but the EU can and should help. The housing crisis affects all Europeans. The EPP Group wants more affordable homes, built faster. We need simpler EU rules to cut red tape, speed up permits, and treat housing with the same urgency as defence projects, with a 60-day limit.”