EP Special Committee on Housing: Fire Safety Must Be a Priority

The European Parliament has taken a significant step to address Europe’s growing housing crisis by establishing a Special Committee on Housing (HOUS). This Committee, composed of 33 Members of the European Parliament, is tasked with preparing a report outlining solutions to critical housing challenges, including affordability, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. The creation of HOUS highlights the European Parliament’s recognition of the urgent need for coordinated action to ensure safe, affordable, and sustainable housing for all citizens.

A New Era for Housing Policy

The housing crisis has reached unprecedented levels across the EU, with rising costs, energy poverty, and an aging building stock placing immense pressure on citizens and policymakers alike. HOUS is a pivotal platform to address these issues by promoting a holistic approach to housing that combines affordability, sustainability, and safety.

Dan Jørgensen, European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, has identified housing as a cornerstone of his portfolio, committing to a European Affordable Housing Plan that aligns with the EU’s climate and energy objectives. The Special Committee on Housing will play a critical role in shaping policies that ensure Europe’s housing transformation benefits all citizens while meeting ambitious environmental goals.

Fire Safety: A Cornerstone of Housing Policy

As the EU accelerates efforts to decarbonize buildings and increase energy efficiency, fire safety must be integrated into housing policies to ensure that Europe’s homes are not only sustainable but also safe.

The link between housing and fire safety is particularly vital in the context of the Renovation Wave, which aims to double annual energy renovations across the EU by 2030. Approximately 35 million buildings are targeted for energy upgrades, presenting an opportunity to incorporate fire safety measures into renovation standards and building codes. Fire safety policies, such as guidelines for safety inspections and harmonized standards, can also play a key role in tackling energy poverty by ensuring that vulnerable populations live in safe and energy-efficient homes.

A Call for Action

The KeepEUFireSafe campaign, supported by several European organizations and Members of the European Parliament advocates for the integration of fire safety into EU housing policies. The campaign emphasizes the need for a European Fire Safety Strategy, ensuring that all citizens are equally protected from fire hazards in any European building.

The Special Committee on Housing provides an opportunity for Members of the European Parliament to champion the goals of the KeepEUFireSafe campaign, ensuring that fire safety is recognized as a cornerstone of Europe’s housing transformation. The establishment of the Special Committee on Housing marks a turning point in Europe’s approach to tackling the housing crisis. By prioritizing fire safety as a critical component of its agenda, the Committee can ensure that Europe’s homes are not only affordable and energy-efficient but also resilient and safe for generations to come.