Fiscal guidance on the treatment of interest-subsidised loans for affordable housing in public debt

Question for written answer E-001687/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Maria Ohisalo (Verts/ALE), Ville Niinistö (Verts/ALE), Sirpa Pietikäinen (PPE), Anna-Maja Henriksson (Renew), Li Andersson (The Left), Jussi Saramo (The Left), Merja Kyllönen (The Left), Maria Guzenina (S&D), Eero Heinäluoma (S&D)

In 2022, Eurostat recommended that interest-subsidised loans for housing construction in Finland be included in the statistical calculation of public debt. The Finnish statistical authority followed this recommendation, significantly increasing the debt ratio.

The intersection of affordable housing and public debt is crucial, as Member States aim to address the investment gap and the shortage of affordable and social housing without exceeding fiscal limits. High public debt often restricts the government's ability to invest in affordable housing.

Eurostat's instructions regarding the inclusion of subsidised loans in public debt calculations are unclear and discourage investments. If all Member States were to adopt Eurostat's recommendations, as Finland has done, debt ratios could be artificially inflated to unsustainable levels, preventing public support for affordable housing. Member States have called on the Commission to examine the impact of subsidised loans on public debt.

• 1.When will the Commission publish its guidance to Member States on designing financial and legal solutions to support social and affordable housing, taking into account public debt considerations?
• 2.What measures will the Commission propose to ensure that fiscal rules will encourage, rather than hinder public investment in social and affordable housing?
• 3.Will the Commission instruct Eurostat to clarify the rules on subsidised loans for affordable housing in public debt calculations and provide guidance to enable such investments?

Submitted: 24.4.2026