The upcoming plan of Brussels to deal with her housing crisis to EU It will include measures to limit speculation in the real estate sector, the Energy and Housing Commissioner announced Monday. Dan Yorgensen.

“There is no space in Europe for personal speculation on a basic need such as housing,” the Commissioner told a high -level conference on affordable and sustainable housing in Copenhagen, stressing the need to deal with the “financialization” of the EU mortgage stock.

According to Eurostat, housing prices across the EU have increased by almost 60% since 2010, while rental costs have increased by almost 30%. Experts attribute the sharp increase in dramatic slowdown in public housing and a significant increase in speculative practices in urban areas where the stock of affordable houses has shrunk.

Jorgensen confirmed that the EU’s first plan to tackle the crisis – which is expected to be presented later this year – will include revision of state aid rules, allowing national governments to use public funds to build housing for Europeans.

As public funds on their own will not be sufficient, the Commissioner explained that these funds should be combined with private investment, stressing that such investments should “balance stable returns with social responsibility”.

To this end, the Commission is working with the European Investment Bank and other financial institutions to ensure that the houses built through public-private programs will be truly affordable.

In addition to the measures aimed at simplifying the complex European and national rules delaying the construction of new houses, Jorgensen announced that the upcoming plan would also regulate short -term leases.

The conversion of the building stock into tourist apartments is considered an important factor in increasing costs, with authorities proceeding to a complete ban on these properties in places such as Barcelona. The Commissioner pledged to address this complex issue “strong, but fair”.

“This crisis is a decisive test for our European democracy,” said Jorgensen. “It’s a battle we can’t lose.”