Visiting MEPs call Catalonia's housing crisis 'extremely complex' and urge more EU funding

The European Parliament's special committee on the housing crisis wrapped up a three-day visit to Catalonia on Wednesday, with the head of the mission describing the situation as "extremely complex" and praising the efforts being made by both Catalan and Spanish authorities to address it.

The group of MEPs met with the public administrations, including the mayors of Barcelona and Badalona, as well as housing activists, landlords, unions and academics.

The head of the mission and president of the committee, the Italian Irene Tinagli, explained in a press conference in Barcelona on Wednesday that one of the main issues they have discussed with all groups was the use of European funds to promote affordable housing.

The S&D (Socialists and Democrats) MEP was more cautious about possible legislative reforms at the EU level, warning that each country, region, city and even neighborhood faces a different reality.

"Europe cannot decide whether a country should implement rent controls. What Europe can do first is see how to mobilize resources," Tinagli said.

"I was impressed, in a positive way, by the level of attention that there is," she added. 

The low supply in the housing market, financing, regulation, and tourism were the main topics of discussion during the meetings, according to Tinagli.

The head of the mission stated that they want to analyze the "different perspectives" in order to "find the solution" and determine how the European Union can help.

Housing investigation

The visit to Barcelona and Badalona is the first that the committee made in its investigation of the housing crisis.

There will be at least three more trips, with the next scheduled to Vienna (Austria) in July. 

The draft of the report, which will be prepared by the Spanish conservative MEP Borja Giménez, is scheduled for September.