The European Parliament adopted a Declaration on ending street homelessness.

Members recalled that homelessness was identified as a priority by the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs (EPSCO) Council in 2005, and is a priority under the 'active inclusion' strand of the EU social protection and inclusion strategy. Access to adequate housing is a fundamental human right and access to shelter often the first step towards adequate and sustainable housing solutions for people experiencing extreme poverty and exclusion. Every winter people freeze to death across the European Union as a result of a lack of emergency accommodation and outreach services catering for their needs. Street homelessness is the most visible form of homelessness, and can only be addressed effectively as part of a wider holistic strategy.

Recalling that it has called twice for urgent action to tackle homelessness this year, Parliament:

-calls on the Council to agree on an EU-wide commitment to end street homelessness by 2015;

-calls on the Commission to develop an EU framework definition of homelessness, gather comparable and reliable statistical data, and provide annual updates on action taken and progress made in Member States towards ending homelessness;

-urges Member States to devise winter emergency plans as part of a wider homelessness strategy.

T6-0163/2008