Affordable housing is now the top concern for those living in cities across the European Union, according to a new Eurobarometer study.
According to the study, more than half (51%) of those living in cities cite the lack of affordable housing as an ‘immediate and urgent problem’, surpassing other concerns such as unemployment (33%), poverty or homelessness (32%), and poor public services (32%).
‘With 75% of EU citizens currently living in cities and urban areas – a figure set to rise to 78% by 2050 – Europe’s cities remain vital engines of economic growth, innovation, and employment,’ Eurobarometer noted. ‘At the same time, urban populations are increasingly concerned about key local issues.’
The availability of affordable housing is of slightly lower concern in towns and suburbs (37%) or rural areas (28%), with those living in rural areas citing the lack of quality public services (36%) as their number one concern.
City priorities
For those living in cities, the quality of public services (42%) and safety in public spaces (36%) were identified as priority aspects in need of improvement, while the availability of affordable public transport (29%) and economic development and business opportunities (29%) also ranked high on the agenda.
Close to nine in ten (88%) of respondents living in cities believe that their city could benefit from renovating existing housing in order to decrease energy bills. Other measures cited included building new affordable units through incentives (83%), and introducing rent control or assistance schemes (82%).
Urban opportunities
‘Cities offer opportunities for people – in terms of access to education, healthcare and other essential services, enjoyment of culture and a high quality of life,’ Eurobarometer added.
‘Cities, however, are also experiencing a concentration of challenges coming from high population density, increasing lack of affordable housing and quality housing, social segregation, pockets of poverty, effects of the climate and biodiversity crisis etc.’ Read more here.
