The EU discusses housing policies led by Portugal
- Valerie Charoux
- 4 days ago
- 2 min read
Portugal led the EU discussions on housing policies at the meeting of the Heads of State and Government of the European Union (EU) in Brussels on October 23rd, 2025.
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro highlighted the fact that the European Council discussed housing, "a matter that had never been on the table before," in his statement at the end of the meeting of the Heads of State or Government of the European Union.
Why should housing policies be discussed by the EU as a whole?
Luís Montenegro stated that, for Portugal "it was the culmination of an awareness-raising process that we have promoted in recent months", with a view to looking at a "reality that affects many Member States and that, although it is the responsibility of the States themselves "and there are many that have this problem, it deserves concerted and transversal treatment" by the EU.
Portugal’s Prime Minister added that, when we talk about housing, "we are talking about economic competitiveness," the "essential right to housing," and "retaining human resources."
"I raised awareness among Council members about the advantage, already understood by the Commission, of coordinating policies" that can help ensure that our fellow citizens feel they have "the opportunity to access decent housing at affordable prices," he said.
These policies also involve simplifying procedures, financing, and licensing, so that there is more supply for the rental and acquisition market, as well as tax policy, industrial policy, and innovation policy.
What are Portugal's housing policies?
Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro also noted that "the exploration of new construction techniques is rapidly developing," highlighting the increased speed, quantity, and suitability for environmental challenges. In Portugal, housing and student accommodation have been inaugurated "built in half a year, factory-built, and then finished on-site."
