A New EU Commitment to Housing Dignity: What the European Affordable Housing Plan Means for Mothers and Families

Across Europe, rising housing costs, homelessness, insecure rentals, and poverty are placing increasing pressure on families — especially women, single mothers, and children. In response, the European Union has launched a major initiative to tackle housing exclusion and homelessness through long-term, people-centred solutions: an EU Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion.

In September 2025, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a commitment to “help eradicate poverty by 2050” through a new European Anti-Poverty Strategy, the Strenghtening of the Child Guarantee and the EU’s first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan.

In December 2025, the European Commission officially launched the European Affordable Housing Plan, the first EU-level framework specifically designed to address Europe’s housing crisis. The plan is built around four key pillars:

• increasing housing supply,
• mobilising investment,
• providing immediate support and driving reforms, and
• safeguarding those most affected by housing exclusion.

As part of this framework, Action 10 focuses specifically on addressing homelessness and supporting tenants and vulnerable households through a proposed Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion.

At the centre of this initiative is a clear principle: housing is a fundamental human right.

Housing as a Social Right

The European Pillar of Social Rights recognises access to housing and support for homeless people as essential rights. Principle 19 calls for:

• Access to quality social housing and housing assistance
• Protection against forced eviction
• Safe shelter and support services for homeless people

The new Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion aims to help Member States turn these principles into practical action.

Why This Matters for Mothers and Families

Families with children are among the groups most affected by Europe’s housing crisis. EU data shows that households with dependent children are far more likely to struggle with housing costs and insecure accommodation. Women and single mothers are particularly vulnerable, especially when housing insecurity is linked to poverty, domestic violence, unemployment, or mental health challenges.

For many mothers, unstable housing affects every aspect of life: children’s education is disrupted, employment becomes harder to maintain, stress and anxiety increase, and family stability is threatened.

The EU initiative recognises that preventing homelessness is not only about emergency shelter — it is about protecting dignity, wellbeing, and equal opportunities for families.

A Shift Toward Housing-Led Solutions

A key part of the proposal is the promotion of housing-led approaches such as the “Housing First” model. Rather than requiring people to solve multiple social problems before accessing housing, this approach prioritises rapid access to stable accommodation combined with support services.

The recommendation encourages Member States to:

• Invest to prevent unnecessary family separation
• Ensure no children and their families are left without adequate housing
• Expand stable housing solutions for homeless families
• Strengthen protection against forced evictions
• Provide integrated “one-stop-shop” support services

This reflects growing evidence that stable housing is the foundation for recovery, employment, education, and social inclusion.

Protecting Women and Children

The proposal places particular emphasis on women and children facing domestic violence or severe housing insecurity. Member States are encouraged to ensure that emergency accommodation is:

• Safe and accessible
• Gender-sensitive
• Available when urgently needed
• Connected to pathways toward permanent housing

The initiative is also linked to the strengthened European Child Guarantee, which aims to ensure that every child and their families in need have access to essential services, including adequate housing.

The proposal highlights that no child in Europe should grow up homeless or in unsafe living conditions.

Addressing Urban and Rural Challenges

Housing exclusion affects not only cities but also rural and remote areas, where families often face ageing homes, energy poverty, and limited affordable housing options.

The recommendation encourages targeted policies to improve housing access and living conditions across all regions, while promoting innovative solutions such as community housing, intergenerational living, and transitional housing for young people and students.

Part of a Wider Anti-Poverty Strategy

The European Affordable Housing Plan forms part of the EU’s broader Anti-Poverty Strategy, which aims to eradicate poverty by 2050 by addressing both immediate needs and the structural causes of exclusion.

The initiative is connected to wider EU priorities including:

• Gender equality
• Mental health
• Child Guarantee
• Long-term care
• Social inclusion
• Rights of persons with disabilities

It recognises that housing insecurity affects health, education, employment, and participation in society.

Looking Ahead

Although housing policy remains primarily the responsibility of Member States, the Council Recommendation provides a common European framework to guide action.

Countries are encouraged to:

• Develop evidence-based housing strategies
• Expand affordable and social housing
• Improve eviction prevention measures
• Strengthen support services for vulnerable households

The success of this initiative will depend on cooperation between governments, local authorities, housing providers, social organisations, and communities.

A Turning Point for Families in Europe

For mothers, children, and families facing housing insecurity, this initiative represents more than a policy change. It signals growing recognition across Europe that safe and affordable housing is essential to dignity, equality, and opportunity.

By placing housing and poverty at the centre of the European agenda, the EU is taking an important step toward a future where a home is more than shelter — it is the foundation for family life, wellbeing, and hope for the future.

Read the EU Commission proposal for a Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion here

Read our contribution to the EU Commission Call for evidence here