Cold weather emergency and the homeless in Sicily – EU initiatives under the EPOCH and ESF+ instruments

Question for written answer E-000161/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Giuseppe Antoci (The Left)

Winter weather exacerbates health risks for the homeless, and especially for those living on the streets and not using emergency shelter facilities. It is therefore essential to have cold weather plans and community-based services available for use in order to prevent serious and avoidable consequences for their health.

The Commission supports Member States in tackling homelessness, within the framework of EU competencies, through the European Platform on Combatting Homelessness (EPOCH), including the Lisbon Declaration, and via the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+). The ESF+ Regulation also provides for food and/or basic material assistance interventions for people experiencing severe material deprivation.

Can the Commission indicate:

• 1.What initiatives it will promote, within the framework of EPOCH, to support cold weather plans, including guidelines on minimum standards for emergency shelter and continuity of services?
• 2.What types of eligible measures and opportunities exist, under ESF+ and EU technical assistance, including food and/or basic material assistance, that can offer solutions in cold weather periods and social inclusion pathways for the homeless, including in regions like Sicily?
• 3.Whether it will enhance the monitoring and comparability of EU statistics on homelessness and cold weather services, including any relevant indicators and tools for assessing measures financed through EU instruments?

Submitted: 15.1.2026