The EU calls for rental assistance and to halt evictions to its member states

The Employment ministers of the European Union have approved a recommendation to protect families at risk of losing their homes. The text is not legally binding.

The Employment and Social Affairs ministers of the European Union have given the green light to a recommendation urging countries to strengthen the protection of families at risk of becoming homeless. Among the measures are early warning mechanisms, emergency assistance for paying rent, and more guarantees against forced evictions.

The document, adopted by the Council of the EU, asks member states to identify vulnerable households early and offer support before they lose their accommodation. It proposes debt counselling, mediation services, and financial assistance. These are recommendations without legally binding force, so each government decides how to implement them.

Residential exclusion, according to the text, is not limited to those living on the streets. It also includes those who have a roof over their heads but in inadequate or unsafe conditions, such as people facing eviction or suffering from domestic violence.

Regarding minors and young people leaving protection centres or foster families, the ministers committed to working to ensure that "no child is deprived of adequate housing". The recommendation calls for accommodation and support for this group and proposes increasing public and private investment, both in new construction and in the rehabilitation of existing homes.

Policies against homelessness must prioritise access to safe and lasting housing, not just temporary accommodation.

The document also proposes a one-stop shop for accessing social and health benefits, so that homeless individuals can be guided and referred without having to go through different administrations.

According to the European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless, Europe has around 1.44 million people homeless in 2026. This figure represents an increase from the 1.29 million recorded in 2024, although each country has its own registration system, making exact comparisons difficult.