Hearings
A committee is permitted to organise a hearing with experts, where this is considered essential to its work on a particular subject. Hearings can also be held jointly by two or more committees. Most committees organise regular hearings, as they allow them to hear from experts and hold discussions on the key issues. On this page you will find all the available information relating to committee hearings, including programmes and contributions from speakers.
On 14 April, The HOUS Committee hosted a public hearing on Coastal flooding and shoreline retreat, bringing together public authorities and experts in urban planning, hydraulics, and land management. Discussions focused on the impact of climate-induced coastal changes on housing availability and affordability across EU Member States, as well as practical strategies for flood prevention and adaptation.
The Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU, in cooperation with the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs, organised a public hearing on "Skills Shortages in EU Construction: Addressing Workforce Challenges to Boost Housing Supply" on 2 December 2025 from 16:15 to 17:45.
On 1 December 2025, as part of the European Parliament’s Disability Rights Week, the EMPL and HOUS Committees will hold a joint public hearing on Inclusive Housing for All: Accessibility, Disability Rights, Vulnerable Groups and social inclusion in EU Housing Policy.
On 4 November 2025, in the afternoon, the HOUS Special Committee held a public hearing entitled “Housing Challenges for Young Europeans: Student Accommodation, Youth Emancipation and Talent Retention in the EU”.
On 4 November 2025, the HOUS Special Committee held a public hearing entitled “Tourism, Short-Term Rentals and Housing Affordability: Balancing Economic Growth with Housing Accessibility in Europe”.
The EMPL and the HOUS Committees held a joint public hearing to assess demographic trends and housing needs in the EU, on 23 September 2025. The hearing focused on the relationship between demographic change and the housing crisis, and on potential policy solutions to address these challenges. It also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to share their experiences and perspectives, and to inform the Committees' recommendations for addressing the housing crisis in the EU.
On 14 July 2025, from 16:30 to 18:00, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU organised a public hearing on Addressing Vacancy and the Repurposing of Empty Housing in the EU. The exchange focused on investigating how vacant housing stock across Europe can be repurposed for affordable housing, including legal, financial, and administrative measures to encourage use rather than speculation.
On 3 July 2025, from 10:00 to 12:30, the HOUS Special Committee held a public hearing on 'Financialisation in the Housing Market: Effects and Policy Responses'. This hearing examined the impact of financialisation and speculation on rising housing costs, particularly the role of institutional investors, private equity, and vulture funds in the real estate market. Policy measures such as rent control, taxation, and the regulation of large-scale real estate ownership were discussed.
On 25 June 2025, from 11:00 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU and the Committee on Employment and Social Affairs (EMPL) are jointly organised a public hearing on Housing Rights, Property Rights and Tenant Protections: Addressing Evictions and Homeless.
On 3 June 2025, from 14:30 to 17:30, the HOUS Special Committee held a public hearing on ‘Public and Private Investment Strategies for Affordable and Social Housing’.
On 2 June 2025, from 15:30 to 17:30, the HOUS Special Committee held a public hearing on ‘Sustainable Housing and the Energy Transition: Affordable solutions for Climate - Resilient Homes’.
On 20 May 2025, from 9:30 to 12:30, the European Parliament Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the EU held a public hearing on the construction sector dynamics in the EU, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and challenges for the future of housing.