European Parliament Employment Committee adopts 'Support for Preventing Homelessness' amendment to report on role of Troika

Amendment 24d, adopted yesterday (13 February): “Calls for urgent measures to prevent the increase of homelessness in programme countries and on the European Commission to support this through policy analysis and promotion of good practices.” This confirms that the European Parliament is concerned about growing levels of homelessness in programme countries caused by the devastating social impact of the crisis and Troika policies.  For example, as mentioned in the EU Employment and Social Situation Quarterly Review June 2012, homelessness rose by 25% between 2009 and 2011 in Greece.

The Parliament thus wants the EU to address the social consequences of Troika policy, including rising homelessness, urgently. FEANTSA welcomes this recognition of the need for action coming from the Parliament.

The Parliament also calls upon the European Commission to support Troika programme countries in their efforts to address homelessness through policy analysis and promotion of good practices.  This in line with earlier Parliament requests for the Commission to carry out more policy support and coordination activities on homelessness.

In this context, FEANTSA suggests targeted use of the European Structural and Investment Funds to address homelessness, analysis and monitoring of trends concerning the nature and extent of homelessness in the Troika programme countries and meetings between the Commission and officials or ministers with responsibilities for homeless policy from these countries to discuss what help or support could be provided.

FEANTSA members are available to contribute to building better understanding of the current situation and the needs for action to tackle increasing homelessness in programme countries.

The report will now be put to vote in plenary, which will take place mid-March.

Share this article: