Breaking news

European Parliament Approves EU Plan To Tackle Housing Crisis

Historical Milestone In Addressing The Housing Crisis

The European Parliament has taken a decisive step in addressing the housing crisis by endorsing a comprehensive action plan with 367 votes in favor. This landmark decision aims to expand housing supply, reduce prices, and safeguard vulnerable households throughout the Union.

Supporting New Families And Affordable Living

Michalis Chatzipantela, Member of the European Parliament representing DISY and the European People’s Party (EPP), welcomed the decision and highlighted the importance of the amendment supporting new families. According to Chatzipantela, access to affordable housing remains a critical issue for smaller EU member states, including Cyprus. He noted that housing affordability plays a key role in supporting young families and improving long-term social stability.

Targeted Initiatives To Improve Housing Accessibility

The amendment calls on the European Commission to implement measures aimed at easing the housing pressures faced by younger generations. Improving access to adequate and financially accessible housing is identified as a key priority, particularly in countries experiencing housing shortages and rising property prices.

Key Elements Of The Action Plan

The proposed framework includes several policy measures designed to strengthen housing availability and affordability across the EU:

  • Accelerating housing construction through faster permit procedures and regulatory simplification.

  • Introducing tax incentives for first-time home buyers and developers involved in affordable housing projects.

  • Expanding the use of European funding to support social and public housing initiatives.

  • Strengthening protections for tenants facing unjustified or excessive rent increases.

  • Encouraging sustainable and innovative approaches within the construction sector.

A Blueprint For National Policy Innovation

The resolution provides member states with guidance for developing national strategies aimed at improving housing access. Governments, including Cyprus, may use the framework to design policies that reduce housing market barriers and expand affordable housing options. Policymakers are expected to examine how these measures can support lower- and middle-income households while maintaining stability within national housing markets.

Cyprus Expects More French Visitors In 2027 As Air Capacity Expands

Cyprus expects more French visitors in 2027 as airlines increase capacity between the two countries, Tourism Deputy Minister Kostas Koumis said after meetings with tour operators in Paris.

France, one of Cyprus’ key tourism markets, has had a difficult 2026. French arrivals fell 46% year over year to 8,453 in August, from 15,663 a year earlier, according to the Statistical Service of Cyprus (Cystat). August arrivals were also nearly 50% below the 16,798 recorded in the same month of 2024.

Overall, Cyprus received 2.82 million tourist arrivals between January and August, down 7% from the same period in 2025.

Air Connectivity Supports 2027 Outlook

Koumis discussed the 2027 outlook with senior executives from tour operators offering Cyprus holidays during the IFTM Top Resa travel trade fair in Paris.

Higher air capacity between France and Cyprus was a key focus of the talks. Participants also discussed the impact of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East on the French market and Cyprus’ efforts to adapt its tourism offering to French travelers.

“The French market is undoubtedly an extremely important market for our country’s tourism,” Koumis said, adding that France had regained importance only a few years ago and still had room to grow.

Improved air connectivity will be an important factor in that expansion, according to Koumis. “It is now clear that air connectivity between France and Cyprus is improving significantly, which is a basic prerequisite for the further growth of the market,” he said.

Cyprus Promotes Tourism And Regional Cooperation

Koumis attended the opening of IFTM Top Resa at the invitation of French Tourism Minister Serge Papin, who later visited the Cyprus stand. Held from Sept. 15 to 17 at Paris Porte de Versailles, the event brought together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, according to organizers.

During his visit, Koumis also met Egyptian Tourism Minister Sherif Fathy. Cyprus and Egypt reaffirmed their tourism cooperation and discussed opportunities to strengthen ties further.

French media interviews covered Cyprus’ tourism offering, infrastructure and services, along with efforts to develop specialized tourism products. Regional instability weighed on arrivals in 2026, particularly during the spring, although the decline narrowed over the summer.

Aretilaw firm
Uol
eCredo
The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter