This Week in Construction & Housing — Brussels (#17, 2026)
Commission unveils anti-poverty package; Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion proposed; Major recommendations on energy poverty and gas phase-out published; New framework for building life-cycle GWP in force.
May 03, 2026 to May 09, 2026
Commission unveils anti-poverty package; Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion proposed; Major recommendations on energy poverty and gas phase-out published; New framework for building life-cycle GWP in force.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• ✒️ EP Committee Work
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
European Commission
Commission proposes new anti-poverty measures including housing exclusion recommendation
On 5 May 2026, the European Commission presented an ambitious social package centred on eradicating poverty and enhancing the rights of persons with disabilities across the Union. The package introduces the EU's first-ever anti-poverty strategy, a proposal for a Council Recommendation on fighting housing exclusion, and communications on breaking the cycle of child poverty and strengthening the European Child Guarantee. President Ursula von der Leyen stated the measures aim to prevent and reduce poverty, strengthen the Child Guarantee, and promote full inclusion for persons with disabilities. The strategy targets quality jobs, access to services, and coordinated anti-poverty action, and outlines best practices for supporting vulnerable groups such as children, single parents, and people with disabilities. The proposed Council Recommendation calls for increasing the supply of social and affordable housing, preventive measures for at-risk tenants, and coordinated policies to address homelessness and housing exclusion. The Commission also announced it will mobilise EU funding, including the European Social Fund Plus and InvestEU, to support implementation.
Executive Vice-President Mînzatu remarks on anti-poverty and housing exclusion
Executive Vice-President Roxana Mînzatu delivered remarks on 5 May 2026 detailing the Commission’s social plan for eradicating poverty and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. Mînzatu highlighted that one in five Europeans remains at risk of poverty, with housing exclusion identified as a foundational concern. The strategy moves from emergency responses to prevention and long-term housing solutions, including early warning systems and targeted support for those at risk of losing their homes. Mînzatu also outlined upcoming consultations with social partners on legal action to activate those outside the labour market, and the launch of a European Child Guarantee Card. The Commission committed to greater cooperation with local authorities and civil society in implementing these measures.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1001: Protection of vulnerable customers from energy disconnections and during gas network phase-out
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1001 of 30 April 2026 (OJ L, 2026/1001) provides guidance to Member States on protecting vulnerable and energy-poor customers from energy disconnections, especially during the phase-out or decommissioning of natural gas distribution networks. The recommendation urges timely transposition of EU provisions, prioritisation of structural measures such as energy efficiency and access to renewables, and the development of early-warning systems to prevent disconnections. It also addresses coordinated planning for the gas phase-out, protection from tariff increases, and support for affordable clean energy alternatives.
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/52: Life-cycle global warming potential (GWP) for buildings
Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2026/52 of 16 December 2025 (OJ L, 2026/52) amends Annex III to Directive (EU) 2024/1275, establishing a harmonised EU framework for the national calculation of life-cycle global warming potential (GWP) of buildings. Member States must ensure that GWP is calculated and disclosed in energy performance certificates for new buildings, using a common methodology based on EN 15978 and other relevant standards. The framework aims to facilitate comparability of building emissions and support the development of low-carbon construction products.
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1007: Development of energy communities and self-consumption
Commission Recommendation (EU) 2026/1007 of 30 April 2026 (OJ L, 2026/1007) outlines practical guidance for Member States to support energy communities and maximise self-consumption of renewable energy. The text recommends simplifying permitting, providing targeted financial support, and enabling energy sharing for households, SMEs, and vulnerable groups. It also calls for national strategies, monitoring frameworks, and removal of administrative barriers to facilitate the participation of citizens and communities in the energy transition.
EU Council
Upcoming Competitiveness Council to address Internal Market and Industry
The Competitiveness Council (Internal Market and Industry) is scheduled for 28 May 2026. Ministers are expected to address issues related to the internal market and industrial policy.
EP Committee Work
Special Committee on the Housing Crisis: High-Level event with Commission on housing crisis in the EU
On 5 May 2026, the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union (HOUS) held an ordinary meeting in Brussels, featuring a high-level event jointly organised with the European Commission. The agenda focused on the housing crisis within the EU, with discussion of recent policy developments and potential responses to issues of housing affordability and exclusion.
PETI Hearing: Overtourism and housing market impacts in EU touristic areas
On 6 May 2026, the Committee on Petitions (PETI) held a public hearing on excessive price increases in EU touristic areas and overtourism, based on Petition 1377/2024. The hearing examined the impact of short-term rentals on long-term housing supply, rent levels, and displacement of residents, as well as effects on local cost of living and public services. The European Commission presented the state of play of the EU Sustainable Tourism Strategy and the implementation of the Short-Term Rental Regulation. National examples of good practice were also discussed.
What We're Reading This Week
- Do you need a battery for plug-in or rooftop solar panels?: Homeowners can use plug-in or rooftop solar panels without batteries, but storage adds backup power and greater energy independence.
