slide

Housing challenges faced by children in Europe

Eurochild’s contribution to the European Commission’s call for evidence on the European Affordable Housing Plan

Breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty and social exclusion lies at the core of Eurochild’s mission. Central to achieving this goal is ensuring adequate living conditions and addressing the housing challenges faced by children across Europe. We therefore welcome the development of the first-ever European Affordable Housing Plan.

In this contribution to the call for evidence, we outline the housing challenges faced by children in Europe, which the Plan should address as a priority. We draw on the experience and insights of our members who work directly with children and families to examine how housing issues affect children’s rights. We also explore the different forms of housing challenges children face and identify the groups most at risk.

In addition, we highlight key EU-level initiatives and upcoming opportunities that should reinforce the Plan’s objectives, including the role of effective implementation in supporting access to adequate housing. Finally, we present a set of recommendations to be integrated into the European Affordable Housing Plan, urging national and EU policymakers to take swift and coordinated action.

Read the full position paper




Related Resources

slide
8 June 2026

Eurochild’s reaction to the Proposed Council Recommendation on housing exclusion

Advancing children’s rights to an adequate standard of living. Eurochild welcomes the proposed Council Recommendation on combating housing exclusion and homelessness as a necessary step towards ensuring the right to…
read more
slide
17 March 2026

Every Child’s Right to Safe, Secure, and Adequate Housing

Taken from "Unequal Childhoods: Rights on paper should be rights in practice" Eurochild 2025 flagship report on children in need across Europe. Across Europe, access to safe, secure, and adequate housing has…
read more
slide
15 January 2026

Eurochild Strategic Framework 2026-2029

Eurochild’s next strategy centres on placing children’s rights at the heart of all actions, ensuring they are prioritised, protected and upheld by institutions, with meaningful participation of children throughout. Building…
read more