The EU is facing a critical housing crisis that's threatening the very fabric of democracy. "It needs a huge wake-up call," says the bloc's new Housing Commissioner Dan Jorgensen. Without affordable homes, people turn to protests, and it's not just a matter of individual rights – it's about the stability of entire societies.
In Denmark, where Jorgensen previously served as minister for climate and energy, he witnessed firsthand how wages were outpacing housing costs. "If people don't have a home, if they can't afford the most basic need... then there is a real risk that they will turn against democracy." This sense of urgency echoes across Europe, where homelessness has worsened.
As Jorgensen delves into his portfolio, he highlights short-term rentals as a major challenge. These money-making operations are crowding out ordinary people from their homes, while the wealthy can afford to rent out their properties for lucrative short-term stays. The commissioner proposes introducing limits on the number of nights that can be rented out and distinguishing between property owners who genuinely need the income versus those exploiting the system.
The EU's aim to cut off Russian liquefied natural gas imports by 2027 appears daunting, especially considering France's significant reliance on the resource in 2025. However, Jorgensen remains optimistic, citing reduced consumption from 45% four years ago to between 10-13% today. The European Union will no longer be a pawn in Russia's energy game.
Despite Hungary and Slovakia's opposition, the decision has been made, and it will become law across all EU member states. As Jorgensen stresses, "this is how our Union works." The outcome will be achieved despite – or because of – the disagreements among its leaders.
The EU's new housing commissioner is vowing to tackle these pressing issues with a renewed commitment to helping people have good lives. His work may not bring immediate unanimity, but it does signal that Europe needs a wake-up call – and one that won't be ignored.
In Denmark, where Jorgensen previously served as minister for climate and energy, he witnessed firsthand how wages were outpacing housing costs. "If people don't have a home, if they can't afford the most basic need... then there is a real risk that they will turn against democracy." This sense of urgency echoes across Europe, where homelessness has worsened.
As Jorgensen delves into his portfolio, he highlights short-term rentals as a major challenge. These money-making operations are crowding out ordinary people from their homes, while the wealthy can afford to rent out their properties for lucrative short-term stays. The commissioner proposes introducing limits on the number of nights that can be rented out and distinguishing between property owners who genuinely need the income versus those exploiting the system.
The EU's aim to cut off Russian liquefied natural gas imports by 2027 appears daunting, especially considering France's significant reliance on the resource in 2025. However, Jorgensen remains optimistic, citing reduced consumption from 45% four years ago to between 10-13% today. The European Union will no longer be a pawn in Russia's energy game.
Despite Hungary and Slovakia's opposition, the decision has been made, and it will become law across all EU member states. As Jorgensen stresses, "this is how our Union works." The outcome will be achieved despite – or because of – the disagreements among its leaders.
The EU's new housing commissioner is vowing to tackle these pressing issues with a renewed commitment to helping people have good lives. His work may not bring immediate unanimity, but it does signal that Europe needs a wake-up call – and one that won't be ignored.
. I mean, the EU's housing crisis is getting serious, and Dan Jorgensen is trying to address it, but it's like, what happened to affordable homes? 
We need some real solutions, not just band-aids on the problem.
It's like people are treating their homes as rental hotels or something! I get that there needs to be income, but come on, guys. There gotta be a way to balance it out so regular folks don't get priced out 
. And yeah, we need to cut off Russia's energy grip 
, no question.
), we can't ignore that there are still some serious issues going on 
. Jorgensen might be optimistic, but I'm like, let's not forget what's at stake here 
.
And now we're being told that short-term rentals are the problem?!? I get it, they're taking over our homes and pricing out the little guy... but what's the alternative?!?!
We need to wake up and smell the coffee here! The EU needs to take action, not just sit back and watch this crisis escalate. This is about people's lives, not just economics or politics. Can we please get our priorities straight?!? 
. Short-term rentals are just another example of how corporate interests are bleeding into our homes. We need to start talking about rent control and affordable housing as human rights issues, not just economic policy 
.
. But here's the thing: if we can make a dent in our reliance on Russian gas, it'll show us that we do have the power to shape our own destiny 
.
.
the eu's housing crisis is getting worse by the day 
i mean, who can afford a decent place to live anymore? 
, and I'm still reeling from the best bowl of ramen I've ever had 
. Like, it was life-changing. The noodles were so perfect, all springy and not too firm... anyway, it made me think about how some things in life are just so simple yet satisfying, you know? And speaking of satisfying, have you tried those new plant-based milk alternatives? I've been drinking the oat milk from that brand that's like, super popular in London 
. Anyway, back to Europe... yeah, affordable housing is a big deal, but can we talk about how cute Dan Jorgensen looks in his official EU photos? 
& btw what's up with france being so reliant on russian gas 
... i mean, who can afford homes in some of these countries? 
dan jorgensen seems like a pretty cool guy tho 
... and reducing russian gas imports? game changer 
️... but what's the plan for those member states that are opposed to it? 
.
They're crowding out regular people and making it hard for them to own their homes. I get why the commissioner wants to limit how many nights can be rented out, but like, what about the property owners who actually need that income? It's not an easy fix.
. It might not bring immediate agreement, but hey, at least the EU's finally taking this seriously.
. But EU is way bigger than that! They need to act fast b4 things get out of control 
. Short-term rentals are a major issue too - its like, people r making money off ppl who cant afford homes 
.
. If ppl can't afford basic needs, they get pretty upset 
. Introducing limits on short-term rentals could help make things more fair 
. But what really gets me is that the EU is actually taking steps to cut off Russian gas imports 
. I'm glad they're not gonna be held hostage by Russia anymore 
. Dan Jorgensen seems like a great guy who cares about ppl's lives 
. We need more leaders like him 
