In many European cities, a significant portion of the homeless population comprises citizens from other EU member states. In the Netherlands, these EU citizens often lack access to regular homeless shelters and now represent the largest group of people sleeping rough.
Rights of rough sleepers
In principle, EU citizens have the right to reside in other member states and be treated equally. However, there are also conditions and exceptions. Kramer will examine, through legislation and European and Dutch case law, when homeless EU citizens should have equal access to homelessness support and what safeguards exist against forced expulsions. He will then answer, by means of comparative empirical research between Dutch and European cities, how local governments respond to homeless EU citizens in practice and what consequences EU law has for the access to and organization of homelessness support. His findings will contribute to the scientific understanding of the normative content of EU law and the potential tension between local homelessness policies and the exercise of EU citizenship rights within the European Union: how are new borders being drawn?
Uncertainty about the promise
In the Lisbon Declaration of 2021, EU member states and institutions promised to work towards the eradication of homelessness by 2030. This promise requires reversing the growth in the number of homeless EU citizens in many European cities. Currently, much certainty exists about the legal position of homeless EU citizens among governments, homeless organizations, and advocacy groups. Kramer's research will clarify the rights of homeless EU citizens and explain the responses of local governments.
Veni Grant
The Dutch Research Council (NWO) has awarded Dion Kramer a Veni grant. With this funding, he can further develop his research on homelessness within the European Union over the next three years. The NWO Talent Program gives researchers the freedom to conduct their research driven by creativity and passion. They receive up to 320,000 euros. The program stimulates innovation and curiosity. Free research contributes to and prepares us for the society of tomorrow. Therefore, NWO focuses on a diversity of scientists, domains, and backgrounds. Veni is part of the Talent Program, along with Vidi and Vici grants. NWO selects researchers based on the scientific quality and innovative nature of the research proposal, the scientific and/or societal impact of the proposed project, and the quality of the researcher.