The European Commission has opened a public consultation to revise State aid rules, aiming to improve access to affordable housing across the European Union. The revision targets the services of general economic interest (SGEI) rules and intends to address housing affordability challenges that extend beyond traditional social housing.
This move is part of the Commission’s broader strategy to respond to growing concerns about the availability and cost of housing for citizens throughout Europe. The revised SGEI Decision 2012/21/EU will allow Member States to support affordable housing more quickly and simply. According to the Commission, “This revision will offer Member States a new tool to address the urgency of the housing crisis, while respecting the principle of subsidiarity by allowing them to adapt these rules to their specific contextual needs.”
A key aspect of the proposal is a new category within the SGEI Decision that exempts certain affordable housing initiatives from requiring prior notification to the Commission. Affordable housing is defined as “housing for households, who are not able, due to market outcomes and notably market failures, to access housing at affordable conditions.” The decision also sets out specific requirements for these services.
Additional sector-specific changes are proposed in areas such as critical medicines, aviation, and maritime transport. The overall aim is to update and simplify existing regulations.
The draft version of this revised decision follows input gathered during a public consultation and a Call for evidence held in June and July 2025. Over 120 responses were received during the Call for evidence period, with more than 140 replies submitted through public consultation channels. Stakeholders also participated in a ‘reality check’ meeting, providing feedback on obstacles encountered under current State aid rules in relation to housing.
Citizens, businesses, public authorities, or associations interested in contributing have until November 4, 2025, via the COMP Website.
The Commission plans to use feedback from this ongoing consultation process—as well as wider stakeholder engagement—to finalize revisions before year-end. These efforts coincide with plans for a European Affordable Housing Plan expected by late 2025. This initiative seeks to supplement national, regional, and local policies addressing rising demand in urban centers, increased costs, limited supply, aging buildings, regional disparities, tourism pressures, and short-term rentals affecting broad segments of society.
More information about these initiatives can be found on the European Commission’s dedicated website.
For media inquiries:
Thomas REGNIER (Spokesperson)
Phone: +32 2 29 91099
Email: [email protected]
Luuk DE KLEIN (Press Officer)
Phone: +32 2 299 47 74
Email: [email protected]
