The “New” Housing Deprivation Gap of EU Countries

Abstract

Purpose – Housing conditions vary widely across the European Union and the inequalities observed are mainly due to the gap between “new” (enlargement after 2004) and “long-standing” member states. The purpose of the study is to examine how the housing deprivation gap evolved between 2010 and 2020. The study also seeks to identify which of new member states are still lagging behind in terms of housing conditions, and which of them have already managed to close the gap. Research method – The analysis is based on Eurostat data. It was conducted using the TOPSIS method. Results – Results showed that among new enlargement states, there are countries that have almost completely overcome the housing deprivation gap over the past decade. These include Estonia, Czechia, Slovakia, Slovenia, which can be considered the leading countries in 2020, and to a lesser extent, Poland and Hungary. Nevertheless, the countries with the highest intensity of problems still are almost exclusively those from the 2004 enlargement (Romania, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Latvia). A current housing deprivation gap is therefore occurring within new member states (instead of between new and long-standing members). Originality / value / implications / recommendations – The study indicates that only a few countries that joined the EU in 2004 or later have managed to catch up with EU countries in terms of housing conditions. This points to the need to consider the cohesion policies implemented in EU and to support individual economies in creating living conditions in Europe.