Depaul International welcomes the European Commission’s new EU Anti‑Poverty Strategy and the proposed European Council Recommendation on Fighting Housing Exclusion as important steps forward for Europe’s response to poverty and homelessness. Homelessness is rising in almost every Member State, with an estimated one million people across the EU experiencing homelessness, so ambitious action is urgently needed.
It is particularly encouraging to see homelessness addressed within a wider anti‑poverty framework, with a strong emphasis on prevention, housing‑led approaches, and increased investment in social and affordable housing. The proposed Recommendation rightly shifts the focus away from emergency responses and towards long‑term, people‑centred solutions, while the strengthened European Child Guarantee has real potential to help prevent family homelessness if children facing housing exclusion are explicitly prioritised.
At the same time, ambition must be matched with clarity and safeguards. We urge Member States to strengthen, not dilute, the proposed Recommendation — including by explicitly opposing the criminalisation of homelessness, by ensuring robust monitoring and accountability, and by making sure labour‑market initiatives support rather than penalise people experiencing homelessness. Employment policies can only succeed when people have access to stable housing and accessible support for those with complex needs.
These proposals set a positive direction of travel. What matters now is real investment, effective implementation and consistent monitoring. We call on Member States to act in line with – and build on – the Commission’s proposals, to turn these welcome commitments into tangible progress towards preventing and ending homelessness across Europe.