The Finnish Government has criticized the European Commission's proposal for the Affordable Housing Act, which aims to establish a framework for measures to safeguard housing affordability and availability in EU member states.
What happened
The European Commission published its proposal on September 9, 2026, as part of the European Affordable Housing Plan. The proposal would create a common framework for assessing measures that restrict short-term accommodation rental services or acquisition and use of dwellings for purposes other than permanent residence.
The Finnish Government argues that housing policy falls within national competence and that the proposal is not proportionate, as it addresses matters that could be more effectively regulated locally. The government also suggests that the proposal should specify in more detail how areas affected by housing pressures would be defined in practice.
Minister of Climate and the Environment Sari Multala stated that the housing market situations and problems related to housing vary greatly in different parts of the EU, and that it does not make sense to regulate the housing market of different cities with the same rules.
The Union Communication will be referred to the Grand Committee of Parliament for consideration, and the Finnish Parliament may submit a reasoned opinion to the European Parliament, Council, and Commission within eight weeks.
