On 29 September 2025, local and regional leaders from across Europe will gather in Badalona to debate solutions to Europe’s housing crisis. Hosted by Mayor Xavier Garcia Albiol, the meeting of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR) will focus on youth housing and squatting—two of the most urgent challenges facing communities today.
Europeans deserve a home that allows them to study, work, and care for themselves and their loved ones. Yet for too many, housing has become a source of debt, uncertainty, and instability. EPP-led cities and regions are taking responsibility by driving forward practical solutions to reduce construction burdens, ease living costs, and expand access to quality and affordable homes.
Xavier Garcia Albiol, Mayor of Badalona, said: “Housing is not just bricks and mortar – it is about giving young people the security to build their lives. With this meeting in Badalona, we want to push Europe to act and make housing a top priority.”
Key speakers include Sari Rautio, President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions and Borja Giménez Larraz, Member of the European Parliament (PP). Local and regional leaders from across Europe, alongside associations and companies from the housing sector, are expected to participate. See full programme here.
The meeting will conclude with the adoption of the Badalona Declaration, which calls for housing for young people to become a European priority. Local and regional leaders will also strongly condemn squatting, stressing that it undermines basic property rights, the stability of the housing market, and citizens’ sense of safety.
A press conference with Xavier Garcia Albiol, Borja Giménez Larraz, MEP and Sari Rautio will take place at 13:00 at the Hotel Marina Badalona. Media representatives are warmly invited to attend both the meeting and the press conference.