Climate Change and Housing: Top Challenges for European Cities Ahead of Elections

Climate Change and Housing: Top Challenges for European Cities Ahead of Elections

As Europe prepares for the upcoming European Parliament elections, a recent survey of 92 mayors across 28 European countries highlights climate change and housing as the most critical issues facing urban areas. The Eurocities Pulse Mayors Survey, conducted in the months leading up to the elections, indicates that climate change remains the foremost concern for city leaders.

Climate Change: A Persistent Challenge

For the second consecutive year, climate change has topped the list of most pressing issues for European cities. Over two-thirds of the surveyed mayors reported that their citizens demand decisive action on decarbonization policies. However, implementing these measures is not without challenges. Ninety-four percent of mayors identified access to funding as the primary obstacle. There are also worries about public backlash, as seen in cities like London and Brussels, where green measures have met with protests.

Mayors have varied ideas on how to utilize potential funding. Nearly a quarter expressed a desire for more urban vegetation, while others emphasized energy efficiency, decarbonization, and nature-based solutions. Some mayors also highlighted the importance of building adaptations to cope with climate change.

The Growing Housing Crisis

Housing affordability has emerged as a significant concern, with the number of mayors citing it as a top priority doubling since last year. More than a third now list housing as a key issue, up from 15 percent in 2023. This concern extends beyond low-income residents, affecting the middle class, including essential frontline workers.

The survey revealed that mayors often have to compromise between providing high-quality, affordable housing and meeting energy standards. There is a call for the European Union to allocate funds to bridge the estimated €57 billion annual investment gap in affordable housing.

A Call for EU Support

The survey also reflects mayors' growing frustration with the additional responsibilities they have assumed amid successive crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the influx of Ukrainian refugees, and rising energy and living costs. More than half of the mayors reported not receiving extra resources to manage these challenges, and many faced austerity measures imposed by national governments.

Mayors are advocating for a more collaborative relationship with the EU, with nearly half requesting a long-term strategy to foster this partnership. They also seek more financial support from the EU, particularly for sustainable urban mobility infrastructure, such as trams and bike lanes. Thirty-five percent of mayors called for the establishment of a social climate fund to ensure resources reach the local level.

Conclusion

As Europe heads to the polls, the challenges of climate change and housing affordability remain at the forefront for urban leaders. Addressing these issues requires substantial financial support, innovative solutions, and enhanced collaboration between local governments and the EU. The upcoming elections present an opportunity for mayors to advocate for the necessary resources and policies to build resilient and sustainable cities.

 

FAQs

1. What are the main challenges identified by European mayors?

   • Climate change and housing affordability are the primary challenges, with climate change being the top concern for the second consecutive year.

2. Why is climate change a significant issue for European cities?

   • Over two-thirds of mayors report that citizens demand action on decarbonization, and climate change poses a substantial threat to urban areas.

3. What obstacles do mayors face in addressing climate change?

   • The main challenge is access to funding. There are also concerns about public backlash against green initiatives.

4. How has the housing issue evolved in European cities?

   • The housing crisis now affects the middle class as well, with frontline workers struggling to find affordable housing in cities.

5. What do mayors want from the European Union?

   • Mayors seek more financial support, particularly for sustainable urban mobility and affordable housing, and a better collaborative relationship with EU institutions.

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