The European Parliament has identified illegal squatting as a significant issue impacting multiple countries in Europe, including Spain. In a report from its housing crisis commission, the Parliament is pushing for member states to prioritize the protection of property rights and ensure that homeowners receive swift legal recourse to reclaim their properties from illegal occupants. The statement highlights the particular vulnerability of small property owners, such as retirees, who rely on rental income for their livelihoods and face financial strain due to squatting.

Furthermore, the Parliament is strongly condemning illegal occupation of both private and public properties and asserts that a more effective application of Europol's resources is necessary when organized crime is suspected to be involved in such illegal activities. This stance reflects a growing concern within the EU regarding the implications of squatting on housing markets and the rights of property owners, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive approach to address the crisis.

As the report is set to be voted on, it is expected to gain approval, highlighting a unified European response to a pressing housing issue. This development underscored the importance of securing property rights as part of broader efforts to manage housing crises across the continent, as the European Parliament emphasizes the need for mechanisms that can quickly counteract illegal occupation and safeguard the interests of legitimate property owners.