Social housing and rental assistance - How much do European governments spend per person?
Housing is becoming a growing crisis across Europe. In December 2025, the European Commission announced its first European Affordable Housing Plan. The initiative aims to address one of the most pressing concerns for citizens: access to affordable, sustainable and quality housing.
Most European countries now provide housing benefits as part of their social protection systems. However, levels of support vary widely, reflecting different national policies.
According to Eurostat, housing accounted for 1.35% of total social protection expenditure in the EU in 2024. This amount amounted to €66.5 billion, equivalent to 0.37% of EU GDP and €148 per inhabitant.
Housing benefits per person vary widely across Europe. They range from almost zero in Bulgaria to €755 in Ireland among 31 countries. Finland ranks second with €484, followed by the United Kingdom with €406. Among the five largest European economies, Italy (€13) and Spain (€36) share significantly less than their counterparts.
In nominal terms, Germany allocates the largest amount to housing benefits at 27.4 billion euros, accounting for more than two-fifths of the EU total. France follows with 16.1 billion euros, around a quarter of the total.
The recently presented European Affordable Housing Plan focuses "on increasing housing supply, boosting investment and reforms, addressing short-term rentals in areas under housing pressure and supporting the most affected people".
According to experts, the success of the plan will be determined by the capacity at the local level to meet these needs. Affordability should be the goal, and the most affordable housing is public, cooperative, and social.
Over the last decade, between 2015 and the third quarter of 2025, house prices in the EU increased by 64% and rents by 21% according to Eurostat.
"Peace Board", in competition with the UN? - Analysis of "Politico"/Trump: Strengthens the United Nations. Rama: Helps wake it up
The first meeting of Donald Trump's Peace Council on Thursday was packed with intense discussions for the president but light on other details, as a small......
How does China benefit from Trump's tariffs? - "Exploiting geopolitical tensions brings strategic benefits"
China has said President Donald Trump's tariffs could be turned to its advantage by reshaping global trade in ways that would insulate its $19 trillion......
30 million euros in fines for businesses that pay insurance are forgiven - Accumulated employee liabilities must be paid by the end of the year
Businesses will have the opportunity to be relieved of any fines or late payment interest received over the years for failing to pay their employees' social......
Sektorët financiarë dhe Real Estate, në zgjerim/ Bizneset në këto fusha regjistrojnë rritje me 13.5%
Eurostat ka publikuar së fundmi statistika të reja në lidhje me hapjen e bizneseve në vendet e Europës, duke analizuar ecurinë e regjistrimeve të reja sipas......
Spitalla solar park, in operation by 2027/ The second largest power plant in the country, ERE imposes a condition on the production license
The Spitalla photovoltaic park should start production within 2027. The condition for the second largest photovoltaic project in the country has been set by......
Negotiations, towards conclusion in 2027 - European Parliament, draft report on Albania. Positive signals for the economy
The European Parliament has published the draft report on Albania for 2025, which assesses the country's progress in the negotiation process and the economic......
"Durana" not a tax haven, but an innovation engine - Ibrahimaj: 80 residents, 52% of companies come with foreign capital
During an interpellation in the Parliament, the Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, clarified the issue of Durana Tech Park, in relation to......
Who benefits from DIVA reimbursement? - Çelmeta: Education discounts, only fiscalized invoices are recognized
Employed individuals with income up to 1.2 million lekë and above this threshold will be entitled to benefit from tax deductions for dependent children,......
