Renew Europe presents action plan to make Europe affordable again
Responding to citizen’s calls for Europe to respond to the escalating cost of living crisis they face, where inflation is set to peak in late 2026 as the Middle East conflict has driven up energy prices, Liberals and Democrats in the European Parliament today present a ten point action plan to make life more affordable for citizens.
Too many European families, workers, and businesses are buckling under the weight of soaring costs. While Europe cannot choose the American President, whose actions have deepened our challenges, we can choose to act.
A Europe where parents skip meals to feed their children is not the Europe we accept. Restoring fairness and affordability is not just relief, it is the foundation of our future. Growth, competitiveness, and purchasing power depend on it. We firmly believe that a unified European response is essential to protect Europe from shocks, maintain European prosperity, and keep welfare and high living standard accessible and affordable for everyone.
Renew Europe’s First Vice President, Billy Kelleher (Fianna Fáil Party/Ireland), says:
“Our citizens and in turn our businesses are being crippled by excessive bureaucracy, gold-plating by Member State governments, and a cost-of-living crisis that is making life harder for families. That is not the Europe our citizens want, and it is not the Europe that liberals and democrats will accept any longer. Affordable homeownership and a fair rental market must become the norm, and must once again become the bedrock of a strong European economic and society."
Sigrid Friis (Radikale Venstre/Denmark, says:
“Energy bills are taking up far too much of Europeans’ monthly budgets. We have the responsibility to invest massively in renewable energy. We owe that to citizens, businesses and our security. By investing in renewables, Europe can break free from energy dependencies, strengthen our economy and take charge of our own future with homegrown, cheap energy.”
Our action plan includes, among other things:
Energy Independence Now
Geopolitical tensions and volatile markets have left Europe vulnerable. We must phase out fossil fuel subsidies, accelerate clean energy under REPowerEU, stabilize markets, and defend the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) as a driver of decarbonization and competitiveness. Affordability and independence go hand in hand.
Housing for All
From labour shortages to speculative investment, the housing crisis is pushing millions to the brink. Young people are delaying life milestones because they cannot afford a home. Europe must act: cut red tape, build more, and ensure housing remains a right, not a privilege.
A Single Market That Works
While the US and China distort markets, Europe clings to an outdated playbook. Therefore, we must tear down the “Terrible Ten” barriers to a true single market, digitalize cross-border services, and close the €500 billion investment gap. Reform state aid rules, prioritize EU-origin projects, and mobilise private investment to lower household costs.
