Żminijietna – Voice of the Left welcomes with caution the Resolution on EU Homelessness Strategy. This resolution approved by a large majority in the European Parliament sends out a strong political message that homelessness is an urgent issue, on which the EU must coordinate and support member states’ policies in agreement of a framework for monitoring and reporting on the development of national and regional homelessness strategies.

The price of housing, in an open market economic system, is on the increase. This is attributed to the lack of national social policies, high interest rates and the land itself is not an infinite resource. Those being more vulnerable to ending up homeless are the unemployed, people with mental and social problems, former prisoners and families with low income.

Żminijietna notes that the high cost of living and the austerity policies being imposed by governments across Europe, are also putting a burden on the workers, adding up to a new reality, that of the working poor. Precarious work is also a factor that is contributing towards poverty. Many families are also finding it difficult to pay their home loans because of these conditions.

In addressing these issues, we believe that the European Union should aim to introduce new social policies to address the increase in property prices and speculation. Interest rates on home loans must be lower and harmonised across Europe.

Joe Attard

Żminijietna

Voice of the Left