Housing is a fundamental social need and right, essential for human development, identity, and belonging. However, many Europeans struggle to find affordable housing, which affects not only the most vulnerable but also those who earn too much to qualify for social housing yet too little to afford private market accommodations comfortably.
Ahead of the World Day for Overcoming Extreme Poverty on 17 October 2024, COFACE’s member, APF France Handicap, highlighted the severe poverty affecting people with disabilities, with 2 million living below the poverty line for life.
The Covid-19 pandemic and the European energy crisis resulting from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have brought energy poverty to the forefront of social and political debate. EU policies have increasingly reflected this, but gender considerations remain overlooked.
The annual report by the Social Protection Committee examines social conditions and social protection policies across the EU. This year’s report – issued on the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty – focuses on the energy and cost of living crisis.
On 25 July 2023, the revised Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) was adopted by the Council, significantly raising the EU’s ambition on energy efficiency.
The proposal to revise the Energy Efficiency Directive, along with other proposals, tackles the energy aspects of the EU’s climate transition under the ‘Fit for 55’ package presented by the Commission on 14 July 2021.
As international stakeholders gather in Warsaw today for the International Annual Conference on Energy Poverty to address the multifaceted challenges of energy poverty, it is crucial for the EU and its governments to act swiftly for a families-sensitive approach to energy policy and planning. This includes integrated policy solutions that combine energy and social policies which are vital in preparation for the winter ahead. COFACE has developed a policy brief.
The EU and its governments must act swiftly for a families-sensitive approach to energy policy and planning. This includes integrated policy solutions that combine energy and social policies - these are vital in addressing the multifaceted nature of energy poverty....
On the 15th of May 2023, International Day of Families, COFACE and itsmember organisations raised awareness on different topics affecting families today.
On 15 May 2023, the international day of the family, the Association of German Familes (AGF) organised an event on the topic of “Family and Housing / Energy” in Berlin. In view of the burdens caused by rising housing and energy costs, the event took stock of the situation and discussed strategies and measures to improve the situation for the families.
The energy crisis that we are currently experiencing is spreading its shock waves to all levels of society. It is having a severe impact on the overall cost of housing and therefore on household budgets. In this complicated context, COFACE Belgian member, Fonds du Logement helps families in need as much as possible.
As inflation jumped to a new all-time high across Europe, Spain is currently experiencing a rise in the gas bill that once more, affects the family economy of households. Our Spanish member, Isadora Duncan is hosting an informational workshop on September 23rd from 10.00 am to 12.00 CET;
It’s difficult to disentangle the energy poverty crisis from all the other crises the world is experiencing. Over 50 million Europeans aren’t able to adequately light, heat, or cool their homes. A number set to be exacerbated by the multiple, interlocking health, climate, and humanitarian disasters we are facing.
For lots of kinship carers, fuel poverty is a real issue and we know that it can be a really hard time when it comes to heating your home whilst keeping an eye on the bills. COFACE member, Kinship, put the following fact sheet together with some ideas and resources to help families face rising energy costs
This breakfast byte will focus on a campaign of Isadora Duncan which highlights how rising energy prices are affecting families in Spain and across Europe, and the need to launch public debates on access to energy as a basic citizenship right.
Energy poverty is an issue that is more common than one might think. Many people in Europe struggle with.
