Nord Europa Assembly debates rent‑control bill amid surge in housing costs

The Nord Europa Assembly convened on Monday under the watchful eye of Speaker Sigrid Halvarsson to consider a draft rent‑control bill that has ignited heated debate across the plateau.

A report from the Committee on Urban Affairs, presented by the Minister of Civic Affairs Beatriz Coelho, showed that average monthly rent in Bratislava‑Nova and surrounding municipalities rose by 14 percent over the past twelve months, outpacing the 7 percent increase in wages.

Tenant groups staged peaceful demonstrations in the city centre on Saturday, unfurling banners that read “Housing is a right, not a profit”. The PdU leadership, headed by Prime Minister Aleksandra Doric, warned that a blanket cap could deter private investment, while La Verda Aliro urged swift action, citing the social duty of the Republic.

The Assembly will vote on a procedural amendment to fast‑track the bill next week, and a final decision is expected before the federal election in March 2027. The outcome could reshape federal‑regional funding formulas for housing subsidies.