Article 17 Dialogue on "Housing in the EU: Strategies for a Europe that Supports People, Families and Younger Generations"

On June 4 2025, at the headquarters of the European Parliament in Brussels, delegates of the Permanent Office of the Romanian Orthodox Church to the European Institutions participated in a seminar on the theme “Housing in the EU: Strategies for a Europe that Supports People, Families and Younger Generations.”

Under Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, the dialogue- which brought together members of the European Parliament and representatives of religious and non-religious communities- debated the major housing crisis facing the European Union. The event, hosted by Vice-President of the European Parliament Antonella Sberna, primarily aimed to address the housing issue from the perspectives and experiences of both religious and non-religious communities.

The delegates of the Representation of the Romanian Patriarchate, on behalf of the Committee of Representatives of the Orthodox Churches to the European Union, presented theological and practical considerations meant to contribute to the development of comprehensive policies concerning the housing crisis. It was emphasised that the challenges posed by the housing crisis are of major concern to the Orthodox Church, as they endanger the dignity and freedom of the human being. Additionally, the complexity of the situation was highlighted, noting that the challenges are multifaceted and involve realities such as employment, income, education, health, and discrimination.

Among other aspects, it has been declared that “Long-term solutions, with real benefits for the younger generations, families and people with lower incomes, require a comprehensive engagement with a wide array of socio-political and economic problems and contexts. Recognising all these aspects, we intend to highlight and strongly call for the rediscovery and reaffirmation of the freedom and dignity of human beings as the focal point in all social sectors. A genuine solution to such a crisis can be realistic only when the productive forces and the whole economy are employed in the service of the human being and society, and not vice-versa. The current housing crisis is not an issue in itself, which suddenly appeared out of the blue and troubles the equilibrium of our society. It is only one of the numerous symptoms of a wider and multifaceted socio-economic problem that burdens the existence of all human beings in contemporary society.”

Article 17 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) establishes the legal framework for the relationship between the European Union and religious, philosophical, and non-confessional organizations. It obliges the EU to maintain an open and transparent dialogue with these groups.