4.14.4.6. Housing

In several countries, for example, in Belgium, Germany, Ireland, Portugal and Spain, a lack of or limited social housing alternatives and a shortage of low-cost housing made it difficult for beneficiaries of protection to find accommodation. 1259, 1260, 1261, 1262

The general housing crisis in the Netherlands had a significant impact on the outflow of recognised beneficiaries of international protection from the reception system (see Section 4.7). Municipalities were given the task in spring 2022 to establish 13,500 accommodation places by the end of the year, but according to later forecasts, they were expected to accommodate more than 20,000 by the end of 2022. For 2023, the target was set between 20,400-23,900 persons. The establishment of a general Housing Construction Programme was announced.1263 The Hotel and Accommodation Regulation was extended until the end of 2022, offering funds for municipalities which arrange temporary accommodation for beneficiaries in anticipation of their long-term housing.1264

The Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security and Migration, Bank Santander Foundation and Accenture are developing a solidarity platform called "Techo", to help beneficiaries of international protection and temporary protection find accommodation. The project will create an NGO-managed database of apartments which are available for rent.1265

Considering the risk of homelessness, the Higher Administrative Court in Baden-Württemberg annulled the inadmissibility decision for an applicant and his wife, who were recognised as beneficiaries of international protection in Greece. The court observed that they would not be eligible for the HELIOS or ESTIA housing programmes, would not have access to social or private housing, and the mere fact that civil society organisations provide some accommodation does not mean that there would be sufficient housing capacity. The court concluded that even healthy and able-bodied single men would face a real risk of homelessness and a treatment contrary to the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights, Article 4. As this situation could persist for an unforeseen period, the court added that it was not relevant to examine whether the applicant would have access to employment to cover his living needs.