Three of Europe’s major cities are leading a call for the creation of a European housing fund to tackle the deepening housing crisis—an initiative that now carries the endorsement of Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.
Mayors for Housing takes the stage
Barcelona, Paris and Rome—represented by their mayors Jaume Collboni, Anne Hidalgo and Roberto Gualtieri—are spearheading the ‘Mayors for Housing’ initiative, a 15-city alliance that aims to give urban governments a greater voice in shaping housing policy across the European Union.
During a high-profile meeting at the Cercle d’Economia conference in Barcelona on Monday, the three mayors presented their proposal to Pedro Sánchez, who acknowledged the “key role of cities” in the formulation and implementation of both national and EU housing policies. According to a statement issued by the Spanish government, Sánchez reaffirmed that housing is a central pillar of his administration’s agenda.
A call for direct access to EU funds
At the heart of the alliance’s appeal is a demand for a European-level housing fund—similar in structure to the post-pandemic Next Generation EU recovery programme—that cities could tap into directly to build and invest in public and affordable housing.
“We are united by the same challenge that directly impacts working families,” said Barcelona’s Collboni, highlighting the common struggle of European cities to provide dignified, affordable housing amidst soaring property prices and stagnant wages.
The alliance had previously submitted its petition in Brussels earlier this year, addressed to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The group argues that cities—where housing demand is most critical—must be empowered not only as implementers, but as decision-makers when it comes to EU housing programmes.
A European housing action plan by cities, for cities
The ‘Mayors for Housing’ coalition is set to present a European Housing Action Plan in Brussels on 15 May. The document outlines specific proposals aimed at influencing the 2026 Affordable Housing Plan due from the European Commission.
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo stressed the importance of forming a broad coalition including national governments, municipalities and private construction firms to address the housing crisis. She also underlined the need for sustainable, long-term solutions that support both social needs and the building sector.
Meanwhile, Rome’s mayor Roberto Gualtieri described the proposal as “an extraordinary plan for affordable housing” blending both public and private investment. The plan includes provision not just for traditional social housing, but for student residences, senior living spaces and market-accessible homes.
“We’re asking the EU to treat housing the way it’s treated defence. Immediate action is needed,” said Gualtieri, calling for the urgency of the proposal to be recognised.
Crisis calls for collaboration
It’s no secret that the housing crisis in Europe has become politically and socially combustible. While Brussels has traditionally left housing policy to member states, this unified front of city leaders is a signal that a bottom-up push for EU-wide intervention is gaining strength.
With Pedro Sánchez lending his political weight to the campaign, ‘Mayors for Housing’ could become more than just a mayoral talking shop. It may just be the nudge the EU needs to take affordable housing more seriously – not in 2026, but right now.
