Source: European Parliament
The European Platform on Combatting Homelessness was launched by the Lisbon Declaration in 2021 as a framework of cooperation, knowledge building and mutual learning, coordinated and facilitated by the Commission.
In the context of the Platform, the Commission supports various ongoing projects and activities in the area of homelessness which strengthen the evidence base on the extent and nature of homelessness, provide concrete policy guidance to policy-makers[1] and enhance capabilities at national and local level.
The work programme of the Platform, adopted in February 2022, guided its activities for the period 2022-2024[2]. A new work programme is planned to be discussed by its members in view of its adoption in June 2025.
During the next phase, the Platform is meant to continue supporting national, regional and local authorities to develop integrated, housing-led strategies, monitor their actual impact and optimize the use of funding sources, as the European Social Fund Plus, to implement sustainable solutions.
Also, the Platform’s work in relation to the scope, the drivers and effective policy responses should contribute to the preparation of future EU initiatives related to homelessness such as the new Action Plan of the European Pillar of Social Rights, the EU Anti-Poverty Strategy and the European Affordable Housing Plan.
Since its launch the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness has evolved into an impactful initiative, illustrated by the adoption of national strategies in several Member States.
The Commission remains fully committed to further strengthening its added value and thus reinforce concerted responses at all levels to effectively address the most extreme manifestation of poverty and social exclusion.
- [1] The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development Policy Toolkit on homelessness, launched in December 2024 provides guidance for policy-makers to prevent people from becoming homeless, support people who are experiencing homelessness, and provide sustainable pathways out of homelessness. Accessible here https://www.oecd.org/en/publications/oecd-toolkit-to-combat-homelessness_0fec780e-en.html.
- [2] https://employment-social-affairs.ec.europa.eu/document/download/4c863f95-cf93-4581-8b36-33259f9e8663_en?filename=UDW%20TRW1_ex_summary.pdf.