EU Recommendation on Housing: CESI Youth demands gaining ground

The Recommendation calls on Member States to adopt comprehensive strategies combining homelessness prevention, emergency assistance and access to long-term, secure housing. Key measures include early-warning systems to identify households at risk, safeguards against forced evictions, simplified access to social and health services, and increased investment in social and affordable housing. It also promotes person-centred, housing-led approaches and targeted support for vulnerable groups, including young people.

The initiative reflects several longstanding demands of CESI Youth. In its recent position on the EU Affordable Housing Act, CESI Youth called for greater investment in social and affordable housing, stronger protection against evictions, and a more ambitious commitment to the Housing First principle.

The Council's Recommendation responds to several of these priorities, particularly through its emphasis on prevention, housing-led solutions, social housing investment and eviction safeguards. Its recognition of the specific housing challenges facing young people is equally welcome.

However, important gaps remain. The Recommendation does not explicitly address several wider concerns raised by CESI Youth, including protection against excessive rent increases, preventing renovation costs from being passed on to tenants, and the links between housing affordability, decent wages, secure employment and strong public services. The proposed five-year reporting cycle is too long to ensure timely monitoring, evaluation and accountability. More frequent reporting is needed to track progress, identify gaps and enable timely adjustments to national strategies addressing housing exclusion and homelessness.

As a non-binding instrument, the Recommendation's impact will ultimately depend on Member States' willingness to translate its objectives into concrete policies and investment.

For CESI Youth, the message remains clear. Antonello Pietrangeli, CESI Youth Representative states: "housing must be treated as a social right, not merely a market commodity. The new Recommendation is a welcome step, but stronger commitments and effective implementation are essential to ensure that every young person can access a secure, affordable and quality home."