Czechia is collecting signatures for setting rules for affordable housing in the EU

Social housing on Via Cenni in Milan - the largest collection of social housing in Europe

Prague – The Czech Republic has joined a European citizen initiative for affordable housing, which aims to establish EU rules for easier access to a roof over one’s head. Several organizations have already started collecting signatures from Czech citizens. If they manage to gather more than 15,750 by March next year, and together with a total of one million across the EU, the European Commission should address the issue and prepare legislation. This was stated today by Milan Taraba, the chairman of the Tenant Association of the Czech Republic.

"In comparison with the income of our households, the price of an apartment is the highest in all of Europe. A person with an average salary, i.e., an income-average family here, works for 11.2 years just to secure housing in larger cities. This also reflects rental prices," Taraba explained the association's involvement in the European signature collection.

The European initiative follows last year's conference on housing for all, which took place in Vienna. The goal is to facilitate access to housing for people across the union. Demands include simplifying the withdrawal of EU funds for affordable or social housing, setting rules for short-term rentals through digital platforms, and an exemption from Maastricht criteria for public investments in affordable apartments.

In the Czech Republic, signatures can be collected at all advisory centers of the Tenant Association of the Czech Republic. The Czech-Moravian Confederation of Trade Unions (ČMKOS) and its organizations, as well as the Council of Seniors, have also joined the signature collection. Electronic data can be filled out at www.housingforall.eu, which also provides more information.

According to the initiative, housing in Europe is too expensive and is becoming a luxury. Nearly 82 million Europeans spend more than two-fifths of their income on housing, the initiative states on its website. It adds that the waiting time for municipal or social housing is increasing and there are more people in housing distress.