Labour calls for EU action on housing

• Bacik raises housing and Gaza with Socialist leaders at Pre-Council meeting

Labour leader Ivana Bacik TD attended the Party of European Socialists (PES) leaders pre-Council meeting in Brussels today, pressing for immediate action on the housing crisis. Bacik attended the PES meeting following the election of Ireland’s first S&D MEP in ten years.

Deputy Bacik said
“Today’s leaders’ meeting with the Party of European Socialists was a critical opportunity to address the pressing housing crisis facing our continent. The EU must recognise housing as a core competence, allowing for coordinated, effective action. Housing, housing, and access to affordable housing constantly came up on the election trail in Ireland as in other European countries. We must leverage existing EU competencies for action on housing and fight to ensure every European has access to affordable and secure housing. This is not just a national issue but a European one, demanding immediate and unified action.

Bacik also underscored Labour’s commitment not to support Ursula von der Leyen’s presidency, due to the stance she has taken on Gaza. “Labour has always stood for social justice and human rights. We cannot, in good conscience, support Ursula von der Leyen’s re-election as President of the European Commission. Her appalling stance on Gaza stands in stark contradiction to the values of peace and human rights that we uphold. We need leadership that embodies these principles unequivocally.

“We are delighted to have the first MEP from Ireland joining the Socialists and Democrats in ten years. This is a significant step for our party and for Ireland, as we now have a stronger voice advocating for social justice, equality, and progressive policies at the European level.”