During a debate in the European Parliament on the housing crisis in the European Union, PiS MEP Marlena Maląg emphasized that the lack of affordable housing is becoming one of the main barriers for young Europeans planning to start a family. In her view, it is necessary to simplify regulations, reduce bureaucracy, and curb speculation in the real estate market so that housing once again becomes truly accessible to European families.
The MEP noted that the housing crisis is increasingly affecting young Europeans who, despite having stable jobs, cannot afford to buy their own homes.
“Today, many young people in Europe find themselves in a similar situation: they work, they want to start a family, they have plans and dreams, but they lack one thing—a home of their own. This is the true face of the housing crisis in Europe,” said Marlena Maląg.
The MEP emphasized that the establishment of a special committee a year ago was a response to the growing problem of housing affordability across the European Union. She noted that there are currently too few homes, and those being built are too expensive for many citizens due to rising construction and energy costs.
In her speech, she also pointed out the causes of the current situation. In her view, record-low interest rates over the years have fueled speculation in the real estate market.
“Instead of homes for families, investment properties were increasingly being built. This is one of the causes of today’s housing affordability problems,” she emphasized.
The MEP also drew attention to the broader consequences of the housing crisis for Europe’s future.
“Fewer homes mean fewer families, and fewer families mean fewer children. This directly affects the demographic future of our continent,” she noted.
Marlena Maląg assessed that the announced European Plan for Affordable Housing is a step in the right direction, but further action is also needed, particularly simplifying regulations and reducing bureaucracy, which increases construction costs.
“We must stop driving up construction costs with yet more regulations. Housing is not a luxury. It is the foundation of a dignified life, the foundation of the family, and the foundation of Europe’s future,” the MEP concluded.
