„We are leaders in the EU in terms of the percentage of homeowners in the total population, but we are lagging behind in terms of living space,” pointed out the MEP • „Between 2015 and 2023, housing prices in the EU rose by an average of 48%. This percentage also applies to Romania,” Mihai Tudose emphasized the need for involvement at the European level.

The European Commission has published the EU plan for affordable and more sustainable housing. „The Commission is putting the European building sector on a path to decarbonization and affordability through new guidelines for Member States aimed at boosting the energy performance of buildings,” said the European Commission Representation in Romania.

In this context, PSD MEP Mihai Tudose drew attention to a negative record held by our country in terms of housing: „We have a problem with overcrowding. We are leaders in the EU in terms of the percentage of homeowners in the total population, but we are at the bottom of the list in terms of living space. On average in the EU, 17% of European citizens live in overcrowded housing. In Romania, the proportion reaches 40%, with only Latvia surpassing us in terms of overcrowding,” emphasized Mihai Tudose, who questioned the European Commission, calling for specific action in this regard.

„Even though housing policy is the responsibility of Member States, the EU must support national efforts in the face of the crisis in this sector. It is encouraging that there is a willingness to take action in these two main areas. With regard to affordable prices, the Advisory Council on Housing was set up a few days ago, a group of experts that will contribute to the development of the first European Plan for Affordable Housing, announced by the Commission for next year. Romania is represented on this Advisory Council.

At the same time, the European Commission has presented a set of rules to support the transposition at national level of the Directive on the energy performance of buildings. Let me give you an example: the calculation of energy performance requirements for building owners must take into account national particularities. Just think about the implications of the climatic differences across Europe.

It also clarifies how information will be transferred from national databases to the European Real Estate Observatory,” said MEP Mihai Tudose.

The president of the PSD National Council believes that swift and ambitious action is needed, with Romania having a direct interest in this regard.

„The framework for action has been created: for the first time, we have a European Commissioner for Housing—Dan Jørgensen from Denmark, who is also responsible for Energy in the European Commission; in the European Parliament, we have a Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU; and the European Commission is taking these first steps, but more is needed, and at an accelerated pace. Because, as Eurostat data shows, between 2015 and 2023, housing prices in the EU rose by an average of 48%. The percentage is also valid for Romania.

This is the essence of the problem, and we need to look at the causes, including rising construction costs, which have slowed down, but mortgage interest rates have gone up. It’s a problem that goes beyond national intervention, which is why the EU needs to get involved,” Mihai Tudose pointed out.

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