Housing crisis in Europe intensifies: rent becomes unaffordable for workers

The housing crisis in European Union countries is becoming increasingly acute. Rising real estate prices and rapid increases in rents against a backdrop of slow wage growth are heightening social tension and threatening housing affordability for middle- and low-income citizens.

A particular cause for concern is the shortage of affordable housing stock, which has already become one of the main problems in European capitals. Experts and trade union representatives are calling on authorities, in cooperation with the private sector, to urgently develop support measures capable of making housing more accessible to the population.

The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC) has demanded a simultaneous increase in wages and a temporary freeze on rental rates. This was prompted by a study by the European Trade Union Institute, which showed that renting a two-room apartment in EU capitals exceeds the minimum wage by an average of 218 euros per month.

The most severe situations are observed in Prague, Lisbon, and Dublin, where rent exceeds the minimum wage by more than 700 euros. In Athens, Bratislava, Budapest, and Valletta, the gap is over 400 euros. In Nicosia, according to the study, the cost of renting a two-room apartment reaches 85% of the minimum wage.

The problem affects more than just capitals. On average across EU countries, housing rent accounts for about 42% of workers' minimum income. In several states, including Malta, Ireland, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, and Estonia, low-paid employees are forced to spend more than half of their wages on rent.

Trade unions warn that without urgent measures, the situation could lead to a further increase in social inequality and heightened economic instability in Europe.