Robert Fico, the Prime Minister of Slovakia, indicated that the conditions for eligibility for government-supported rental apartments could be loosened, potentially allowing individuals with higher incomes to qualify. Currently, eligibility is limited to those earning no more than eight times the subsistence minimum, approximately 2,200 euros. This stems from ongoing concerns about the affordability of housing, particularly highlighted by the recent situation where nurses, whose salaries exceed this limit, were unable to participate in a pilot housing project meant for them.

At a conference in Bratislava attended by European institutional representatives, Fico acknowledged the slow rollout of government-supported rental housing initiatives, with only one project, Ovocné sady in Bratislava, currently completed. The Prime Minister mentioned that alterations to the eligibility criteria might be approved as soon as Wednesday, reflecting urgency in addressing housing access for the general population, which is not just a local issue but a widespread European concern.

Changes to these parameters resonate with broader discussions on housing affordability across Europe, where many nations are grappling with similar challenges. The potential revision in rental terms could signify a shift towards a more inclusive approach in addressing housing shortages, aiming not only to assist low-income earners but also to provide options for those who find themselves above current income thresholds yet still struggle with housing access.