This paper examines the escalating homelessness and housing affordability crisis across Europe and outlines how upcoming EU policy initiatives can help address it. It highlights that at least 1.2 million people experience homelessness nightly in Europe and that most Member States are struggling to reverse rising trends. The EU has strengthened its role through the European Platform on Combating Homelessness (EPOCH) and is preparing its first-ever Affordable Housing Plan, alongside an Anti-Poverty Strategy and a renewed Action Plan on the European Pillar of Social Rights. The authors argue that this new EU focus offers a critical opportunity to prioritise homelessness through clearer definitions, stronger investment, and dedicated support for re-housing and prevention.

The paper also explores the Irish context, where homelessness continues to reach record highs. It reviews Ireland’s policy measures including Housing First, Housing for All, and the new Delivering Homes, Building Communities Strategy. Finally, the authors outline what the EU Affordable Housing Plan must deliver to make meaningful progress: a stronger focus on social housing, targeted investment for those most at risk, homelessness prevention, better data, and a new Council Recommendation. They conclude that the Irish EU Presidency in 2026 offers a pivotal moment to drive these objectives forward.