European Commission presents first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan
The European Commission launched on 16 December 2025 the European Affordable Housing Plan to tackle access to affordable, sustainable and good-quality housing. The Plan addresses several challenges relevant for rural areas.
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The European Affordable Housing Plan provides guidelines to support all levels of national authorities and bring stakeholders together to deliver affordable housing across the EU. It is based on four pillars: boosting housing supply; mobilising investment; enabling immediate support while driving reforms; and protecting the most affected.
The Plan acknowledges that the housing crisis affects territories differently. While cities and tourist destinations face strong pressure on housing markets, depopulating and rural areas, including some outermost EU regions, are characterised by declining prices and persistent difficulties in accessing essential services and infrastructure, which can contribute to depopulation dynamics.
The Plan urges Member States to implement structural reforms which support rural and remote areas experiencing population decline by ensuring the ‘right to stay’ through housing renovation and targeted investment. It further recognises the relevance of strengthening transport links, broadband connectivity and the provision of essential services. All these elements can make underused housing in rural areas more viable and attractive, relieving pressure on urban housing markets and fostering balanced and sustainable development across EU territories.
The Plan puts forward measures including the European Strategy for Housing Construction to address the mismatch between housing supply and demand, revised EU State aid rules to facilitate Member States’ financial support for affordable and social housing, and the creation of a new Pan-European Investment Platform for affordable and sustainable housing.
Additionally, the Commission plans to launch in 2026 a new European Housing Alliance – between Member States, cities, regions, EU institutions, housing providers and associations, social partners, industry and civil society – which will guide implementation of the Plan. Plus, this year will see the first-ever EU Housing Summit.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of housing.