The introduction of new EU-wide regulations for short-term rentals marks a significant turning point for Airbnb and the entire industry. For the past two years, Airbnb has actively advocated for a unified approach to short-term rental regulations across the European Union, aiming for consistent rules throughout the bloc. This vision has finally become a reality. airbnb eu

Streamlining Regulations and Data Sharing

The EU rules offer clear guidance for both online platforms like Airbnb and relevant authorities. They establish protocols for data sharing and the development of proportionate regulations. Additionally, these regulations simplify the registration process for hosts with local authorities.

A Collaborative Future: Airbnb’s Four Pledges

While a two-year implementation period precedes the formal adoption of the rules, Airbnb prioritizes expanding collaboration with cities and governments to ensure a smooth transition for all stakeholders. Here are the 4 key pledges Airbnb commits to during this period:

• Supporting Best Practice Data Sharing:

  • Airbnb is dedicated to facilitating the secure, efficient, and streamlined implementation of the new EU short-term rental regulations. We will work closely with the European Commission and national governments in the coming months to establish “Single Data Entry Points” for streamlined data collection from platforms and ensure technical compatibility between these points and our platform.

• Delivering on Local Rules:

  • The EU’s short-term rental regulations are already influencing how European regulations are developed, requiring innovative approaches from both governments and platforms. We advocate for targeted and proportionate policy interventions by member states, aligned with the EU’s approach, which addresses local concerns while safeguarding everyday individuals who participate in home-sharing and whose activities do not impact housing availability.
  • We pledge to collaborate with authorities across the EU to establish smart local rules that complement the EU STR. Additionally, we commit to sharing aggregated data and insights during the draft regulation stage to inform policy-making. Furthermore, Airbnb is dedicated to supporting authorities in enforcing proportionate local rules, including providing technical solutions. Notably, Airbnb already collaborates with hundreds of local authorities throughout the EU to ensure regulatory compliance through tools like the City Portal.

• Addressing Housing Concerns:

  • We acknowledge the significant housing affordability crisis affecting many regions across the EU and recognize the importance of this issue for authorities and communities. While this complex challenge has multifaceted root causes, we strive to ensure that short-term rentals do not exacerbate existing difficulties. Alongside the effective application of EU STR, we pledge to conduct further research to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of short-term rentals and the role we can play in contributing to solutions.

• Building a Sustainable Tourism Future:

  • Airbnb is committed to empowering ordinary Europeans to embrace the opportunities of hosting and collaborating with all regions in the EU seeking to attract more tourism. We already collaborate with rural associations, heritage organizations, and sectors like wineries to promote travel to less-frequented destinations and are continually seeking ways to expand these efforts. We are also dedicated to supporting areas experiencing an overconcentration of tourists in specific locations. Guests who book through Airbnb typically represent a small portion of overall visitors to major European cities. Moreover, our technology-driven solutions, like flexible booking options, are instrumental in further dispersing tourist activity. Through our commitment to collaboration with tourism organizations and authorities, we can collectively work towards a more balanced and sustainable tourism future for Europe, which includes the implementation of sensible regulations and collaborative efforts to promote a more even distribution of travel across the continent.

A New Chapter for European Tourism airbnb eu 

The introduction of EU regulations signifies the beginning of a new chapter for short-term rentals in Europe. The 24-month implementation period presents an opportunity for platforms and authorities to work together, planning for widespread data sharing, proportionate local rules, and a more sustainable tourism future.

Airbnb: A Committed Partner for Progress

Through these pledges, Airbnb aims to maintain the positive momentum generated by the EU STR and empower communities that seek to thrive through tourism, while also supporting those seeking greater control over regulations. We are actively collaborating with authorities to deliver on these pledges and stand ready to expand our partnerships in the coming months.