Fianna Fáil MEP and member of the European Parliament’s Committee on the Housing Crisis, Barry Cowen, has welcomed the European Parliament’s adoption of its report addressing the housing crisis across the European Union, describing it as an important step in removing key barriers to housing delivery while respecting member state responsibility for implementation.

The report, adopted in Strasbourg, highlights the need for reforms to EU State Aid rules and a stronger lending role for the European Investment Bank (EIB) in order to support Member States as they seek to increase housing supply.

MEP Cowen said the report reflects the core priorities he has consistently advocated during the committee’s work: enabling governments to invest more effectively in housing while mobilising European financial capacity to support large-scale delivery.

He stressed that housing policy remains primarily a national competence, but noted that targeted EU-level changes can significantly improve the ability of countries such as Ireland to scale up housing supply.

For Ireland, reform of State Aid rules would broaden the criteria under which the State can support social and affordable housing projects, helping unlock additional investment and accelerate delivery.

MEP Cowen also pointed to the growing role of the European Investment Bank in housing finance, noting that the Land Development Agency is currently seeking up to €1 billion in EIB funding, which could support the construction of more than 2,500 homes.

Taken together, he said, the reforms outlined in the report will make Ireland’s goal of delivering over 300,000 homes by 2030 more achievable.

The Midlands North-West MEP added that the focus must now turn to implementation, with the European Commission expected to follow through on its commitment to deliver the recommended changes.

This approach mirrors Cowen’s long-standing position that Europe’s role should focus on removing structural barriers while leaving delivery to national, regional and local authorities. 

Barry Cowen MEP said:

“My reason for pushing for both a Housing Commissioner and this report was always very simple. Two things needed to happen: reform of State Aid rules and a stronger lending role for the European Investment Bank.

“Both are clearly recognized in this report. From my perspective, that means the core job here is done.

“At the same time, housing has always been and remains a member state competence. Delivery happens at national, regional and local level.

“For Ireland, reform of State Aid rules will broaden the criteria under which the State can invest in social and affordable housing — meaning more homes for families and young people.

“Meanwhile, the impact of expanded EIB financing is already visible, with our Land Development Agency seeking up to €1 billion in funding, a step that alone could support the delivery of more than 2,500 homes.”

“Overall, this report makes our national goal of delivering over 300,000 homes by 2030 more achievable than ever.

“Now it is for the Commission to implement these recommendations, as it has promised to do — and for member states like Ireland to turn them into delivery, which I have every confidence they will do.”