MEPs again press the Commission for a European strategy for the homeless, following a similar appeal in a resolution in 2011 and proposals form other EU institutions and bodies, in a resolution adopted on Thursday

An EU homelessness strategy should focus on housing cross-border homelessness, quality of services for the homeless, prevention and homeless young people, says Parliament in the resolution adopted.

The immediate responsibility for tackling homelessness lies with EU countries but an EU strategy has a complementary role to play, says MEPs.

Homelessness has become a priority for the EU’s anti-poverty policy under the Europe 2020 and the EU Social Investment Package. It is also receiving increasing attention in the EU semester system for coordinating member states’ economic policies and the national reform programmes.

Homelessness is not a crime

Poverty is not a crime and homelessness is neither a crime nor a lifestyle choice, stress MEPs. They underline the urgent need to combat any form of discrimination against the homeless and the marginalisation of entire communities.