The European Commission has announced plans to regulate short-term rentals as part of its initial efforts to tackle the housing affordability crisis across the European Union.
European Commissioner for Energy and Housing Dan Jørgensen stated that the continent is facing a deep and serious housing crisis affecting millions of people who are struggling to meet their daily living costs.
Following a video meeting with European housing ministers, Jørgensen explained that the current situation leaves people in ordinary professions—such as nurses, police officers, and teachers—unable to afford housing in the areas where they work, according to the German News Agency (DPA).
Regarding short-term rentals, he emphasized that the Commission aims to regulate this market without seeking to impose a complete ban. He noted that the rapid growth of online rental platforms has led, in some cities, to housing prices rising to unacceptable levels, forcing some residents to leave their neighborhoods.
The Commission plans to present a legislative proposal later this year aimed at establishing criteria to identify housing markets under particular pressure.
Jørgensen concluded by saying that, under this plan, cities would be able to apply various measures to regulate short-term rentals, stressing the importance of finding effective and timely solutions to address the problem of rising housing costs.
