Brussels: Over 1.27 million people sleep on the streets or in shelters across Europe every night, while about 5% of the EU population has experienced some form of homelessness, an activist said on Thursday, marking World Homeless Day.

According to Anadolu Agency, Ruth Owen, deputy director of the Federation of National Organizations Working with the Homeless in Europe, emphasized that homelessness has become a deeply rooted crisis, particularly in major cities.

Owen highlighted that the latest European data reveal at least 1.27 million people in Europe sleep rough or in shelters nightly. She described this as a 'conservative estimate' that only captures visible homelessness. The new statistics obtained at the European level have broadened the scope of homelessness, indicating that nearly 5% of the EU population has encountered some form of homelessness during their lifetime, including staying with family and friends due to lack of options.

She noted that homelessness has worsened in many European cities, citing Brussels as a significant example. The city saw a rise in its homeless population from 1,700 in 2008 to approximately 10,000, largely due to the cost of housing.

Germany has the largest homeless population in Europe, with around 530,000 people, reflecting both a comprehensive census and a broad definition of homelessness. In contrast, the Greek Cypriot administration reports no homelessness officially, yet data suggests about 11% of the population has experienced forms of homelessness.

In France, homelessness increased by 20,000 last year, reaching 350,000, as per a report by the Foundation for the Homeless. The report attributed this rise to stagnation in housing construction, soaring rents, and lack of government action. It also noted that 2.7 million people are waiting for public housing, with only 393,000 allocations made in 2023.

Owen recommended increasing public housing initiatives and regulating the housing market as solutions to homelessness. She advocated for the 'Housing First' model, which provides immediate access to stable housing for homeless individuals, as one of Europe's most effective approaches.