Brussels Briefing - Housing affordability for young people in the EU: Insights from Eurofound’s latest research
As part of Eurofound’s #BrusselsBriefings series, join us for an off-the-record, in-person briefing presenting the latest findings on the housing affordability challenges facing Europe, with a particular focus on young adults.
Thursday, 5 February 2026
Start
10:00
End
12:00
Event background
This briefing, by invitation only, will feature Eurofound’s research expert Marie Hyland who will share key findings from our recent report Foundational challenges: The housing struggles of Europe’s youth.
The analysis shows how rapidly rising prices and rents are outpacing income growth across the EU and reshaping people’s opportunities to live independently, affecting labour mobility, household formation and regional cohesion. Analysis shows that in several Member States - including Bulgaria, Ireland, Poland, Portugal and Spain - young people would need more than 80 % of their median wage to afford a standard two-room rental. In some coastal regions this rises above 100 %, effectively requiring more than one full-time income to secure a starter home.
Marie will explore what these trends mean for social outcomes, regional disparities, and highlight policy responses aimed at improving access to affordable housing across the Union. Finally, Marie will briefly introduce Eurofound’s new data dashboard of housing indicators, noting the data currently available as well as plans for its development.
This session will provide stakeholders with an opportunity to engage directly Eurofound experts on the most recent data and analysis. Following opening remarks and a short presentation, the schedule will include a Q&A and an exchange of ideas with the audience on policy options to address the deepening housing crisis in Europe.
Image © Iryna/Adobe Stock
Agenda
Contact
Attendance is by invitation only. For any queries about the briefing, please contact Cristina Arigho.
Cristina Arigho
Senior Communication ManagerTá Cristina Arigho ina Bainisteoir Sinsearach Cumarsáide agus ina Ceannaire Rannpháirtíochta agus Ardú Céime Páirtithe Leasmhara san aonad Faisnéise agus Cumarsáide ag Eurofound, tar éis di dul isteach sa Ghníomhaireacht in 2012. Roimhe sin, chaith sí beagnach 20 bliain sa Bhruiséil ag obair i róil éagsúla, go leor acu sa Choimisiún Eorpach, lena n-áirítear mar urlabhraí d'Ard-Stiúrthóireacht Fostaíochta, Gnóthaí Sóisialta agus Cuimsiú (2010–2012) agus d'Ard-Stiúrthóireacht an Bhuiséid (2007–2009). Sula ndeachaigh sí isteach i seirbhís urlabhraí an Choimisiúin, bhí sí ina preasoifigeach ag Ard-Stiúrthóireacht Fostaíochta (2005–2007) agus ina scríbhneoir óráidí don Choimisinéir agus don Ard-Stiúrthóir ag an am (2003–2005). Sular chaith sí blianta sa Choimisiún, d'oibrigh sí do raidió agus teilifís RTÉ (teilifís náisiúnta na hÉireann) sa Bhruiséil mar chúntóir léiriúcháin agus taighdeoir, agus ina dhiaidh sin mar léiritheoir nuachta. Is céimí i dTeangacha Feidhmeacha í Cristina ó Ollscoil Uladh i gCúil Raithin, Tuaisceart Éireann.
Speakers
Marie Hyland
Research officerChuaigh Marie Hyland isteach in Eurofound mar oifigeach taighde san aonad Beartais Shóisialta in 2023. Roimhe seo, chaith Marie roinnt blianta mar eacnamaí sa Bhanc Domhanda, áit ar oibrigh sí ar réimse saincheisteanna lena n-áirítear inscne, athrú aeráide agus forbairt na hearnála príobháidí. D'fhéach taighde Marie ar thionchar idirdhealú dlíthiúil ar chumhachtú eacnamaíoch na mban, bhreithnigh sé ról méid an ghnólachta agus cleachtais bhainistíochta ar tháirgiúlacht agus forbairt eacnamaíoch, agus rinne sé anailís ar eacnamaíocht na mbeartas maolaithe ar athrú aeráide. Tá PhD san Eacnamaíocht ag Marie ó Choláiste na Tríonóide, Baile Átha Cliath.
Series: Brussels briefings
Eurofound's Brussels Briefings are off-the-record, in-person sessions designed for insightful exchanges. Meet Eurofound experts to discuss the latest developments on the Brussels agenda in an informal setting.
