The Prime Minister attended a European Council meeting in Brussels on Thursday, where several crucial issues were discussed, including one that had never been on the agenda before: the housing crisis.
In a press conference following the meeting, Luís Montenegro emphasized the significance of this discussion at the European level, considering it the “culmination of an awareness process” that Portugal has been promoting “over the past months.”
The aim for the head of the government is to ensure that “also at the European level,” attention is given to a reality that affects many member states, aiming for a “coordinated” strategy across Europe.
“The most important thing from our perspective is to have this coherent, systematic, and coordinated approach of various policies that can converge to give member states the possibility of being more effective and successful in addressing this issue,” said the Prime Minister.
According to Luís Montenegro, the potential to attract investments and to create wealth is at stake.
“We are often talking about the potential to leverage the investment we make in our academy, research, and innovation,” he stated, referring to the highly educated population that often chooses to leave the country.
Montenegro further stated that he had the “opportunity to be one of the promoters,” being among the first to address the topic and raise awareness among the other members “for the advantage […] in coordinating various policies that can work together to ensure our citizens feel they have access to dignified and affordable housing.”
European sources indicated earlier that “Portugal was very keen” to bring the housing issue to the agenda, with the aim of promoting affordable housing as it impacts all member states.
The European Union is facing a housing crisis in countries like Portugal, where house and rent prices have significantly increased, making affordable housing challenging to attain, especially for young people and low-income families.
Luís Montenegro headed to Brussels to participate in the European summit after attending the funeral ceremonies of PSD founder Francisco Pinto Balsemão. Until then, he was represented at the European Council by the Greek counterpart, Kyriákos Mitsotákis.
The Prime Minister had canceled all scheduled commitments until the conclusion of Balsemão’s funeral ceremonies, which ended early Thursday afternoon.
The Prime Minister, Luís Montenegro, is on his way to Brussels to participate in the European summit after attending the funeral ceremonies of PSD founder Francisco Pinto Balsemão. Until now, he was represented at the European Council by the Greek counterpart Kyriákos Mitsotákis.
Lusa | 14:32 – 23/10/2025
