Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002095/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Sakis Arnaoutoglou (S&D)
During the tourist season, many Greek islands face a serious housing problem, as increased demand for tourist accommodation leads to a lack of available housing for long-term rental. This makes finding accommodation extremely difficult for public servants, such as doctors, teachers, teachers and seasonal firefighters, who are called upon to serve in these areas.
In particular, on the islands of the Northern Sporades, firefighters have resigned as they were unable to find accommodation or reasonable rents.
The housing problem affects critical sectors such as health and education, as workers find it difficult to find adequate and affordable housing. This situation undermines the ability of local authorities to provide essential services and respond to emergencies, especially in the current context of the climate crisis and increased tourist pressure.
Can the Commission therefore answer the following:
- 1.How does it intend to support, through existing funding tools, Member States with meeting critical housing needs for public servants in island and remote areas?
- 2.Does it intend to reinforce the eligible actions under the regional programmes to include accommodation and temporary accommodation infrastructure for staff of key public services, such as healthcare, teachers and firefighters, in frontline areas?
- 3.Will it consider setting up a European preparedness mechanism in island and tourist areas to systematically record housing shortages, allow a rapid response and substantiate the need for additional funding?
Submitted: 26.5.2025