Tackling Homelessness and Rising Cost of Housing

EVENT

21 May

Topics

21st of May | European Parliament, Brussels

Wednesday 21st | 16:30 – 19:00 | SPINELLI 1G2

Register here

This event takes place amid a worsening housing and homelessness crisis across Europe, fuelled by decades of market-driven policies. As rents soar, homeownership becomes unattainable, and public housing is eroded, millions are being pushed into precarity. With this event, we aim to bring together advocates, experts and community voices to explore the root causes and push for bold, people-first solutions—reclaiming housing as a right, not a commodity.

STREAMING

PROGRAMME

//16:30 – 19:00h

Welcome

Kathleen Funchion, Member of the European Parliament – The Left.

Opening Remarks

Leïla Chaibi, Member of the European Parliament – The Left.

Panel 1 | Where does the EU stand? Economic conjuncture and the path to strategic autonomy

This panel would discuss the general issues around housing and homelessness. The panel will focus on the political choices which has allowed us to reach this situation. The panel will also explore the solutions put forward by their respective organisations.

Chair: Estrella Galán, Member of the European Parliament – The Left.

Guest Speakers:

Freek Spinnewijn of FEANTSA
Noel Patrick Sherry of The Good Shepherd
Jarmo Lindén of the Housing Finance and Development Centre of Finland
Lyndsey Anderson – of the Irish Council for Social Housing

//Exchange of views

Panel 2 | Societal Impact and the Need for New Ideas

This panel would explore the impact of the housing and homeless crises on our towns, villages and communities, as well as on our languages and cultures. It will also examine the effects on children and young people. Particularly those growing up in homeless services or young adults being locked out of home ownership. This panel will also explore the potential for new ideas, such as bringing vacant properties back into use.

Chair: Kathleen Funchion, Member of the European Parliament – The Left.