EP Special Committee on Housing: fire safety must be a priority

The European Parliament recognises the urgent need for coordinated action to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for all citizens.

The housing crisis has reached unprecedented levels across the EU, with rising costs, energy poverty, and an aging building stock placing immense pressure on citizens and policymakers alike. HOUS is a pivotal platform to address these issues by promoting a holistic approach to housing that combines affordability, sustainability, and safety.

Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, has identified housing as a cornerstone of his portfolio, committing to a European Affordable Housing Plan that aligns with the EU’s climate and energy objectives. The Special Committee on Housing will play a critical role in shaping policies that ensure Europe’s housing transformation benefits all citizens while meeting ambitious environmental goals.

As the EU accelerates efforts to decarbonize buildings and increase energy efficiency, fire safety must be integrated into housing policies to ensure that Europe’s homes are not only sustainable but also safe.

The link between Energy Poverty and fire safety has already been demonstrated by FEEDS. Moreover, 132 million buildings have obsolete electrical installations. Fire safety policies, such as guidelines for safety inspections, can play a key role in improving electrical safety and tackling energy poverty by ensuring that European citizens live in safe and energy-efficient homes.

The Special Committee on Housing provides an opportunity for Members of the European Parliament to champion the goals of the KeepEUFireSafe campaign (which FEEDS is a member), ensuring that fire safety is recognised as a cornerstone of Europe’s housing transformation. The establishment of the Special Committee on Housing marks a turning point in Europe’s approach to tackling the housing crisis. By prioritizing fire safety as a critical component of its agenda, the Committee can ensure that Europe’s homes are not only affordable and energy-efficient but also resilient and safe for generations to come.