The Committee of the Regions, an entity that brings together cities and regions of the European Union in Brussels, welcomed the new Affordable Housing Law approved by the EU, considering that conditions have been created to control short-term rentals and second homes in cities under housing pressure. The legislation was described as "an important first step" to address the concerns of an increasing number of citizens struggling to find a home.
The entity, led by Katta Tüttó, former mayor of Budapest, however expressed reservations about EU financial policy. Tüttó pointed out a "clear contradiction" between the new law and the proposal for the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, arguing that the European Commission "drastically weakens the role of cities and regions" in housing investments and removes financial tools used by local authorities.
The Committee of the Regions highlighted the "leadership role" of cities in developing this legislation, emphasizing the adoption of areas under housing stress as a key point. The entity also emphasized the recognition that the proliferation of short-term rentals exacerbates the lack of affordable housing for permanent residents.
Jaume Collboni, mayor of Barcelona, considered the law "welcome" as it is the first ever EU regulation on housing, recognizing it as a place to live before generating profits. Collboni stated that "housing is the primary source of social inequality" on the European continent.
