Ban on Airbnb and restrictive rules concerning it: obstacles to freedom to provide services

13.2.2017

Question for written answer P-000983-17
to the Commission
Rule 130
Anneleen Van Bossuyt (ECR)

The digital platform Airbnb is very popular in the EU. For many people, it provides welcome additional income. Many Member States, such as Belgium, are trying to respond to this new form of enterprise by drawing up specific rules. For example, new Belgian legislation permits private individuals to earn up to EUR 5 000 per annum tax-free in the sharing economy.

A few European cities, such as Brussels, have taken action to ban Airbnb within their territory or to impose very strict rules on it, under pressure from the hotel trade. Another reason why they are doing so is because sites such as Airbnb are also used by a small group of people to let out multiple premises in their entirety, which puts pressure on the housing market. However, introducing a total ban also excludes private parties who occasionally let out a room.

1. Does the Commission regard local initiatives to bring such platforms as Airbnb under control as constituting obstacles to freedom to provide services?

2. Has the Commission already received complaints about local legislation on renting via such sites as Airbnb?

3. Will the Commission take action to guarantee freedom of establishment and freedom to provide services?