EucA Champions the University College Model at the European Parliament

On 4 November EucA Secretary-General Mirela Mazalu participated in a hearing of the European Parliament’s Special Committee on the Housing Crisis (HOUS) on “Housing Challenges for Young Europeans: Student Accommodation, Youth Emancipation and Talent Retention in the EU.”

In her intervention, Mirela presented the Italian Model of the University College of Merit, a successful example of how student housing can combine accessibility, education, and inclusion. She highlighted that only university colleges and residences with a true educational framework can help students fully develop their potential and thrive.

This residential system is not just about providing accommodation, but about creating a community where students are actively accompanied in their personal and professional growth. Residences offering such an integrated and formative environment shine for the ability to truly foster soft skills development, active citizenship, well-being, and academic success.

The hearing, chaired by Irene Tinagli, gathered MEPs such as Borja Giménez Larraz (EPP), rapporteur of the HOUS Committee report; Marcos Semper (S&D), member of the Committee on Culture and Education (CULT); Isabelle Le Callennec (EPP); Regina Doherty (EPP); Dirk Gotink (EPP); Ciaran Mullooly (Renew Europe); and Alicia Homs Ginel (S&D). Their active participation and contributions reflected a shared commitment to finding innovative, inclusive, and cross-sectoral solutions to Europe’s student housing crisis.

EucA continues to advocate for housing models that go beyond accommodation, turning them into spaces for personal growth, inclusion, and academic success.

Mirela Mazalu, EucA Secretary-General, speaking on the benefits of the Italian University College of Merit Model in front of the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis (HOUS)

Hearing on the "Housing Challenges for Young Europeans" - Members of the European Parliament watch EucA's presentation

EucA staff and students at the European Parliament with Mr Borja Giménez Larraz, Rapporteur of the Special committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union (HOUS)

Mirela Mazalu, at the European Parliament's Hearing

Members of the European Parliament and Civic Associations' representatives at the Hearing

Find more information in our press release, visit our gallery, or contact us for more information on EucA's advocacy work. Contact person: Alessandra Arcodia, Director for Projects and Advocacy

a.arcodia@euca.eu