Pooling our efforts to cut the cost of living European citizens should feel safe and secure and not concerned about their tomorrow. For that, they need access to quality jobs, affordable housing, energy and transport, and high-quality and safe food. And yet, for many Europeans, the cost of living has become a source of concern. The costs for housing, energy or transport are putting pressure on their budgets. The high cost of living has also been affecting businesses’ ability to attract and retain talent and affects public services, because nurses or firemen will not take up jobs in places where they cannot afford to pay the rent, and go about their daily lives.This is why we are acting. Together with European Union countries and regions, as well as businesses and all other stakeholders, the Commission is working on all fronts to help make everyday life easier for people in the EU.First, we are working to boost competitiveness, so our businesses and industries can offer more and better-quality jobs, with adequate income. And we are also focusing specifically on the main areas that affect daily costs:housingenergytransportfoodThe goal is to support Europeans to find affordable places to live, work, and raise their families, without being anxious about their tomorrow. How will we make lives more affordable? Our efforts to reduce the cost of living are built around three key initiatives: HousingA home is the foundation of society, but for far too many Europeans today home has become a source of anxiety. It can mean high debt or uncertainty. 60%increase in house prices since 201322%less building permits since 2020more than 20%increase in average rents since 2013 We have put forward the European affordable housing plan to make housing more affordable, more sustainable, and of better quality.The plan looks at the rules on state support for housing, to see how we can make it easier to build new houses and to renovate. The aim is to boost supply of housing through new builds and renovation, and to help the construction sector innovate. Rules need to be simplified to reduce the renovation burden, speed up permitting, and unlock investment. This will help scale up housing supply by mobilising both private and public investment in affordable housing.The Commission will also address short-term rentals, so that those who live in big cities can still find good places to live. Cars 30%increase in transport costs since 2015 Millions of Europeans want to buy affordable cars, and we have to respond to their needs.We will work with industry on a new small affordable cars initiative so that Europe develops its own clean, efficient and lightweight electric car that people can afford. This will also help maintain a strong European automotive industry, which employs 13 million people and supports millions of livelihoods. EnergyRussia provoked an energy crisis in Europe in the past years. Although we managed to stabilise energy prices and secure supplies, energy prices are still higher than in other parts of the world. And energy bills are a source of anxiety for numerous Europeans. We have already taken a number of steps to bring energy prices down.Estimated savings for consumers and industry €45 billionin 2025up to €130 billionannually by 2030 For instance, the EU has set up the affordable energy action plan aiming at cutting electricity bills, reducing exposure to price shocks and protecting consumers.We will continue to focus on reducing energy prices by expanding clean, homegrown energy and strengthening infrastructure. This means rolling out renewables faster, while modernising and investing in infrastructure and interconnectors.Next steps includean energy efficiency financing support packagea citizens energy package focused on lowering energy bills and tackling energy poverty Better jobs and livelihoods To improve quality of life and strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, the Commission will act in three more areas:First, with the competitiveness compass, we are helping businesses grow and create more better-quality jobs.Second, with the quality jobs roadmap and the future quality jobs act, we are ensuring that jobs keep pace with a modern economy.Third, we will present the EU anti-poverty strategy that will address homelessness and the root causes of poverty.We are also committed to ensuring access to high-quality and affordable food. Europe’s farmers and fishers play a vital role in food security, biodiversity, and environmental protection. We support them, so they can continue producing good affordable food for everyone. Looking ahead By working together across EU, national and local levels, we will step up investment, simplify rules and deliver concrete solutions on jobs, housing, energy, transport and food. The aim is to ensure that Europe remains a place where people can live and work with confidence, security and a good quality of life. Related links Affordable energy Energy povertyFuture of agricultureBoosting the European car sector
European citizens should feel safe and secure and not concerned about their tomorrow. For that, they need access to quality jobs, affordable housing, energy and transport, and high-quality and safe food. And yet, for many Europeans, the cost of living has become a source of concern. The costs for housing, energy or transport are putting pressure on their budgets. The high cost of living has also been affecting businesses’ ability to attract and retain talent and affects public services, because nurses or firemen will not take up jobs in places where they cannot afford to pay the rent, and go about their daily lives.This is why we are acting. Together with European Union countries and regions, as well as businesses and all other stakeholders, the Commission is working on all fronts to help make everyday life easier for people in the EU.First, we are working to boost competitiveness, so our businesses and industries can offer more and better-quality jobs, with adequate income. And we are also focusing specifically on the main areas that affect daily costs:housingenergytransportfoodThe goal is to support Europeans to find affordable places to live, work, and raise their families, without being anxious about their tomorrow.
