Airbnb set to face more restrictions as EU proposes rules to tackle housing crunch

Airbnb

09/09/2026 11:34

By Foo Yun Chee
BRUSSELS, Sept 9 (Reuters) - Airbnb ABNB.O and other short-term home rental companies are set to face more restrictions as the European Commission proposed rules to help authorities tackle a housing crunch in tourism hotspots.
The move by the EU executive aims to harmonise rules across Europe after authorities in cities including Paris, Barcelona and Venice turned to a raft of diverse rules to crack down on Airbnb, which subsequently triggered legal challenges.
The shortage of affordable housing due to the surge in short-term holiday rentals, has prompted residents, especially young Europeans to take to the streets to protest.
"A year ago, I promised to tackle Europe's housing affordability. Today, we are taking one step in this direction. By providing more clarity and support to local authorities and communities, anchored in local realities," Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said in a statement on Wednesday.

 (Reporting by Foo Yun Chee;
Editing by Sudip Kar-Gupta)
 ((foo.yunchee@thomsonreuters.com; +32 2 585 2866; Reuters Messaging: foo.yunchee.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))