On 10 March, the European Parliament adopted the final report of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis. It contains recommendations to help address rising prices and shortages by supporting the construction and renovation of energy-efficient buildings.
The report from MEP Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP, ES) was adopted by 367 votes in favour and 166 against, with 84 abstentions. MEPs recommend to earmark specific funds for renovation and specific renovation earmarks, to improve the energy performance of residential buildings. The report stresses the need to improve energy performance, indoor air quality and thermal insulation of the building stock.
MEPs also called to enhance the EU’s industrial sovereignty in the construction and renovation sector. They called on the European Commission to scale up innovative and sustainable products, reinforce the single market for raw materials, and include minimum “Made in EU” origin requirements for components in EU co-financed projects. This last point will be part of the discussions on the Industrial Accelerator Act proposal.
Glass for Europe welcomes the work undertaken by MEPs throughout the entire process. It resulted in a balanced report that rightly focuses on improving the building stock and tackling long term operational costs which directly impact households. In this regard, thorough implementation of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is essential.
Despite the adoption of the report, the Special Committee work is meant to continue until the end of July 2026. Some MEPs would like to continue this work by setting up a standing committee on housing.